tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91419475929099209372015-07-20T08:14:26.299-04:00Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Blogwww.pwi-online.comPro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-26059603401119441412015-06-22T09:31:00.002-04:002015-06-22T09:31:47.224-04:00So LongShortly, we will be removing the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Blog, which has been relatively inactive for a while now. I want to thank those of you who have read the blogs over the years, and also those who have contributed as writers or responders.<br /><br />Please sign up to our Twitter page, @OfficialPWI.<br /><br />Stu Saks<br />PublisherPro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-44295902901825024062014-10-10T10:49:00.001-04:002014-10-10T10:49:52.765-04:00Roman Reigns … A Paul Heyman Guy?<br /><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Since my last <i>PWI</i> blog entry, the main event picture of WWE has slowly morphed into a state of chaos. After a memorable championship win at WrestleMania, Daniel Bryan seemed poised to be the face of the company for the rest of 2014. Then, a particularly untimely injury forced Bryan to vacate the WWE World heavyweight championship back in June. John Cena won the vacant title at Money in the Bank, only to lose it in a lopsided match with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. Seth Rollins interfered in Cena’s guaranteed rematch at Night of Champions, costing him the belt in a controversial disqualification finish. Cena’s attention quickly shifted to Rollins, who was already embroiled in a bitter rivalry with Dean Ambrose. Now, Ambrose – who was recently sidelined for five weeks by Rollins – is set to face Cena for the mere right to pummel Rollins at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. Ambrose is quickly becoming one of the most popular wrestlers in&nbsp;WWE, which should be of concern to his former Shield teammate, the currently incapacitated Roman Reigns.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px;"><br /></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">When Brock Lesnar so decisively won the WWE world title from Cena at SummerSlam, talk quickly centered around just who would be able to unseat him as champion. With Lesnar only contracted to appear for WWE on a limited basis, he would be able to spend most of his time training – making himself into an even more formidable opponent than he already was. Many observers predicted that Reigns, who seemed poised to dominate in singles competition, could be the man to take down Lesnar. With size, strength, and charisma in spades, Reigns would ride a wave of fan adulation to the top of company, eventually taking down Lesnar sometime in 2015. Or so it seemed, anyway.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px;"><br /></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As Daniel Bryan found out earlier in the year, the inability to compete is the biggest deterrent to staying on top in WWE. Reigns was diagnosed with an incarcerated hernia in September and immediately underwent surgery. Doctors estimated Reigns would be out for at least six weeks. In the meantime, Ambrose has stepped up in a big way. The former mouthpiece of The Shield has used his verbal skills, twisted sense of humor, and penchant for relentless brawling (particularly against his number one target, Rollins) to garner arguably the biggest fan reactions of anyone in the company. When Reigns is healthy enough to return to the ring, it’s entirely possible that fans will have decided that they simply like Ambrose better. If the increasingly vocal WWE fan base, comprised largely of males in the very loud 18-49 demographic, refuses to accept someone as a top fan favorite, that guy won’t be</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">&nbsp;a fan favorite for very long. Just ask Batista.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px;"><br /></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">What can Reigns do to avoid this potential backlash? Well, he needs to stand out. One way to do that would be to intentionally not compete with Ambrose for fan adulation. He may never be as unpredictable or bitingly funny as his former teammate, but Reigns (like Liam Neeson in <i>Taken</i>) has a very specific set of skills. If Reigns focuses on being a sort of anti-Ambrose, he just might garner a different, yet equally valuable form of fan reaction. He’ll need a mouthpiece, though, and I know exactly who that should be.</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px;"><br /></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As a “Paul Heyman guy,” Reigns won’t have to worry about what some perceive as his verbal shortcomings on his way up the WWE ladder. Brock Lesnar was an instant monster in 2002, and he barely had to say a word. When words needed to be said (read: screamed), Heyman took care of business for him. Heyman will be a great business advocate and vocal presence for Reigns, who will be learning from one of the best every week by simply being in Paul E.’s presence. Meanwhile, Reigns won’t have to worry about winning a popularity contest with the inherently likable, if abrasive, Ambrose. When the time comes for Reigns to get a major, one-on-one title shot, it won’t matter who the champion was. Lesnar, Cena, Ambrose, Bryan … he’ll be ready for the challenge, and fans will be along for the ride.&nbsp;</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 18.0px;"><br /></div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Kevin McElvaney</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">PWI Contributing Writer</div><div style="font: 14.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">@OfficialPWI Twitter Contributor</div>Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-21198152117487548192014-09-24T15:47:00.002-04:002014-09-24T15:47:57.433-04:00Before You Criticize … <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>583</o:Words> <o:Characters>3325</o:Characters> <o:Company>Kappa Publishing</o:Company> <o:Lines>27</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>4083</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Take out a piece of paper. I have a challenge for you.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I want you to rank the top 50 actors in the world over the past 12 months.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Go.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Okay … Matthew McConaughey won the Best Actor Emmy and he is amazing in True Detective, so maybe he gets the top spot. Brian Cranston earned another Emmy for his magnificent work as Walter White in Breaking Bad, so maybe he earns the number-two spot.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Now what? For the purpose of this exercise, we’re omitting women (they’ll get their turn next issue), so who’s number three? Is it the star of the biggest summer blockbuster (Chris Pratt from <i>Guardians Of The Galaxy</i>?) Is it a proven commodity, like Leonardo DiCaprio or Kevin Spacey? Is it a feature film star, a television star, or someone from Broadway (or off-Broadway, for that matter)?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t forget—we’re looking at the world here. Anyone stand out in Bollywood this year? Who has been doing The Bard the most justice in Merry Olde England?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Go ahead … try to make your list of 50, being sure to consider standouts in regional/community theater, supporting characters in sitcoms, and Hollywood megastars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Now go ahead and expand your list to the top 500.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is, essentially, what we do each year with the “<i>PWI</i> 500.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It’s not an easy task; after all, we’re comparing many different kinds of wrestlers—good guys and bad guys, big guys and little guys, MMA-styled submission machines and Mr. Juicy. But we believe the “<i>PWI </i>500” is a valuable exercise. Sure, it’s great to finish in the top 10, but there are also hundreds of guys competing throughout the independent circuit hoping to get recognition and a 60-word blurb as a reward all of the sacrifices they have made—weekends traveling long distances for little pay, time away from their families, and aches and pains that sometimes keep them awake at night, wondering why they’re doing it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We endeavor to make the “500” as objective as possible by adhering as closely as possible to our criteria. We consider accomplishments during the designated evaluation period, title success, activity, and quality of opposition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Like the exercise with actors, we evaluate wrestlers from different countries, different styles (or genres), and different roles within their own company.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">One of my biggest pet peeves is when the “500” list is invariably posted online, and message boards light up with comments like … Why was Wrestler X so low, how can Wrestler Y be above Wrestler Z, etc. Generally speaking, if you pay attention to the criteria as outlined in the introduction to the section, and read the biographies, you’ll be able to see why we made the decisions we did. We do wish people would at least understand our criteria and the time frame we’re evaluating before passing judgment. People may disagree; we expect them to disagree. If you could have sat in on our editorial team ranking meetings, you would have heard plenty of disagreements amongst ourselves. It’s a good thing we conducted our meeting via GoToMeeting. I might have taken a swing at Mike Bessler at one point if he were in front of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not trying to make the “<i>PWI</i> 500” out to be a Herculean task. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s something we love to do, and something our readers love to read, discuss, and debate. I just want to make sure everyone—from our readers, to the wrestlers (those ranked and unranked), and the anonymous Internet message board commentators—to know that we take this project seriously. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The actors exercise may give some general insight into the difficulties inherent in what we do, but when all is said and done, we think our ranking accurately reflects the top 500 wrestlers in the world over the past year.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Dan Murphy</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">PWI Senior Writer</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></div><!--EndFragment-->Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-80786882283594440042014-08-08T12:06:00.000-04:002014-08-08T16:28:07.246-04:00Taking One (Too Far) For The Team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLphU8djtDE/U-T0tOaKcHI/AAAAAAAAAfI/hRbXN249KmA/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLphU8djtDE/U-T0tOaKcHI/AAAAAAAAAfI/hRbXN249KmA/s1600/Blog.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;"></span></div>I'm sure that a lot of wrestlers and fans will disagree with me on this but after working closely with victims of violence and abuse for many years -- the vast majority of whom were female -- I was pretty uncomfortable with how everything went down with Dixie's table spot at the end of it all.<br /><br />I've interviewed Bully and Devon and corresponded with Tommy Dreamer while working on different projects. They're all nice guys and I'm sure they very were careful in how they executed the move. Dixie knew what she was getting into and she sold it well. But the sight of a large contingent of the male-dominated locker room demanding that Spud turn her over to the guys and the sound of the entire Manhattan Center (again, mostly men) calling for her blood was just way too unsettling for me. I get that it's a show. I know she did it willingly. I understand the angle and everything that went into it. It just left me feeling really, really bad.<br /><br />Mike Bessler<br />PWI Contributing Writer<br /><br />Photo by Lee South/TNA WrestlingPro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-12865859692909173632014-04-11T11:31:00.002-04:002014-04-11T11:31:46.435-04:00The NXT Step In WWE's Evolution <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>540</o:Words> <o:Characters>3081</o:Characters> <o:Company>Kappa Publishing</o:Company> <o:Lines>25</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>3783</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>540</o:Words> <o:Characters>3081</o:Characters> <o:Company>Kappa Publishing</o:Company> <o:Lines>25</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>3783</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">The episode of <i>Raw </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">following WrestleMania is most always memorable, and <i>Raw</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"> the night after WrestleMania 30 was certainly no exception. The Shield lived up to their “Hounds Of Justice” moniker by rescuing Daniel Bryan from actual injustice at the hands of Triple-H. Cesaro hitched his wagon to Paul Heyman, a move that can only help the “King Of Swing’s” already sizzling momentum. Perhaps every bit as important as either of these things, though, was the large presence the <i>NXT</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"> brand had on the show.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">The April 7 edition of <i>Raw</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">was notable for the appearances of two NXT<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">stars: Paige (the first and, to date, only NXT<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">Divas champion) and Alexander Rusev (with his valet, Lana, by his side). Additionally, vignettes aired for Adam Rose and former NXT<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">champ Bo Dallas. Rusev dominated Zack Ryder in his first televised singles match on the main roster. Rose and Dallas’ vignettes were both well received. Paige made perhaps the biggest impression of the pack, putting an end to AJ Lee’s nearly 300-day WWE Divas title reign. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">When AJ was interrupted by the debuting Paige, a sizable portion of the live crowd seemed to already be familiar with the self-proclaimed “Anti-Diva.” Sure, those in attendance the night after WrestleMania tend to be a hip crowd. Maybe some of those chanting for Paige had been following her since her days on the independent circuit. Still, one can’t help but get the feeling that the increased visibility of NXT (including its recent Arrival special) helped to make her debut all the more newsworthy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">Broad access to NXT programming, both through the WWE Network and Hulu, has fostered an awareness of WWE’s developmental system, which would have previously been unthinkable. Go ahead and watch the debuts of John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Randy Orton. All three men were products of lengthy stints in WWE developmental (at the time, quartered at Ohio Valley Wrestling). All three made a big impact pretty quickly. Yet few fans seemed to have any idea who these men were when they first appeared. In a sense, they had their work cut out for them. Thanks to the weekly NXT broadcasts being available online, burgeoning stars like Paige, Rusev, and Emma have already established loyal fan bases by the time they get to compete on <i>Raw</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"> or <i>Smackdown</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lest one get the idea that NXT is merely a useful tool for young wrestlers, it’s also important to consider that the brand is good for fans. The sort of wrestling on NXT broadcasts is, for the time being anyway, markedly different than what we see on <i>Raw</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"> and <i>Smackdown</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">. It’s quirkier, with a diverse crop of colorful characters that are learning to express themselves in new and unusual ways. The in-ring action is often more vibrant and unpredictable. In short, it is definitely an alternative to the other, more mainstream WWE programming. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;">At the same time, NXT might not remain a simple alternative for much longer. As more of its stars make the leap to the main roster—Cesaro, The Wyatt Family, and The Shield all cut their teeth at NXT—the tastes of fans change, and the norm shifts. <i>Raw</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"> and <i>Smackdown</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"> will continue to evolve to meet the desires of fans. That’s how we have come to see someone like Daniel Bryan, who hardly considered a career in WWE years ago, as one of the faces of the company in 2014. It’s an exciting time for the company, as the new guard challenges the old guard and encourages it to step up its game. Fans who want to see into the future know where to look. WWE developmental has, for years now, been a window into the future. It just so happens that millions of people can now peer through that window on a weekly basis.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Kevin McElvaney<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>PWI Contributing Writer<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>@OfficialPWI Twitter Contributor<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></div><!--EndFragment--><br /> <!--EndFragment-->Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-38347001245400865432014-04-03T10:11:00.001-04:002014-04-03T10:11:53.353-04:00WrestleMania 30: Staff Predictions<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>704</o:Words> <o:Characters>4015</o:Characters> <o:Company>Kappa Publishing</o:Company> <o:Lines>33</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>4930</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal">Wrestling’s biggest spectacle celebrates 30 years this Sunday, when WrestleMania takes over<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fans can count on the <i>PWI</i> team to be all over event, including with live Tweeting Sunday night (@OfficialPWI) and the usual wall-to-wall coverage in the July issue (digital edition on sale May 1; print edition on sale May 27), including our annual “Real Winners And Losers” feature.&nbsp;To kick things off, here are our staff predictions for WrestleMania 30, courtesy of Publisher Stu Saks, Senior writers Dan Murphy and Al Castle, and Contributing Writers Mike Bessler and Kevin McElvaney.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Randy Orton vs. Batista vs. Daniel Bryan or Triple-H:&nbsp;</b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Triple-Threat Match for the WWE World heavyweight championship</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saks: Bryan</div><div class="MsoNormal">Murphy: Bryan</div><div class="MsoNormal">Castle: Bryan</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bessler: Bryan</div><div class="MsoNormal">McElvaney: Bryan</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Analysis: It’s unanimous. We envision WrestleMania 30 ending much the same as most of you probably do: With 70,000 rabid New Orleans fans thrusting their index figers skyward and greeting the new World champ with a boisterous chant of “Yes! Yes! Yes!”&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Triple-H vs. Daniel Bryan: Winner gets added to the World heavyweight title main event</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saks: Bryan</div><div class="MsoNormal">Murphy: Bryan</div><div class="MsoNormal">Castle: Bryan</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bessler: Bryan</div><div class="MsoNormal">McElvaney: Bryan</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Analysis: Our unanimous picks for the title match pretty much give away how we all think this match will conclude. That’s not to say it will be easy for the leader of the “Yes Movement.” We expect the Authority to put every obstacle possible in Bryan’s way to prevent him from coming out of this match victorious, and for Bryan to conquer them all.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar&nbsp;</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saks: Undertaker</div><div class="MsoNormal">Murphy: Undertaker</div><div class="MsoNormal">Castle: Undertaker</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bessler: Undertaker</div><div class="MsoNormal">McElvaney: Undertaker</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Analysis: Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us 21 times, shame on us. None of us are about to bet against the “Dead Man” extending his revered WrestleMania winning streak to 22-0. And, frankly, WWE hasn’t done a very good job convincing us that the former UFC heavyweight champ is even that much of a threat. To be sure, we’ll see 'Taker go down for some convincing nearfalls throughout the match, but we won’t buy it. Or, at least, we’ll try not to.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saks: Wyatt</div><div class="MsoNormal">Murphy: Cena</div><div class="MsoNormal">Castle: Cena</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bessler: Cena</div><div class="MsoNormal">McElvaney: Wyatt</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Analysis: Finally, something we <i>can’t</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> agree on. We’re leaning toward Cena getting the duke here, if only to make up for slotting WWE’s biggest star in a mid-card match at the biggest show of the year. But with fan favorites expected to triumph in the night’s other big matches, this may be an opportunity to keep Wyatt’s momentum going en route to an even higher-stakes rematch with Cena at next month’s Extreme Rules event.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Andre the Giant Memorial 30-man battle royal</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saks: Big Show</div><div class="MsoNormal">Murphy: Sheamus</div><div class="MsoNormal">Castle: Hulk Hogan</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bessler: Big E</div><div class="MsoNormal">McElvaney: Big E</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Analysis: With 30 possible outcomes, it’s not surprising we couldn’t reach a consensus. But a couple of us are counting on WWE taking the opportunity to shine the WrestleMania spotlight on Intercontinental champion Big E. Despite WWE’s portrayal of the 7-foot Big Show as Andre’s heir apparent, only one of us is picking him as the winner. And one of us thinking a battle royal is just the right setting for Hulkamania to once again run wild, without the "Hulkster" never having to leave his feet.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Shield vs. The New Age Outlaws &amp; Kane</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saks: Shield</div><div class="MsoNormal">Murphy: Shield</div><div class="MsoNormal">Castle: Kane/Outlaws</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bessler: Kane/Outlaws</div><div class="MsoNormal">McElvaney: Shield</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Analysis: By a narrow margin, we’re picking the “Hounds Of Justice” to get the win over the veteran team. It’s worth noting that the youngest member of the Authority team, Road Dogg, made his pro wrestling debut the same year The Shield’s youngest member, Rollins, was born. So it’s fair to say The Shield will have youth on their side.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>14-Woman Vickie Guerrero Invitational Divas Championship Match</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saks: Natalya</div><div class="MsoNormal">Murphy: AJ Lee</div><div class="MsoNormal">Castle: Natalya</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bessler: Eva Marie</div><div class="MsoNormal">McElvaney: AJ Lee</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Analysis: We’re pretty much split on whether AJ Lee will continue her reign as the longest Divas champ in WWE history, or if the sympathetic Natalya will realize her dream of recapturing the title at the “Showcase Of The Immortals.” It will likely come down to what makes for more compelling reality show fodder for <i>Total Divas.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Usos vs. Rybak &amp; Curtis Axel vs. The Real Americans vs. Los Matadores:&nbsp;Four-way tag team championship match</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saks: Ryback &amp; Axel</div><div class="MsoNormal">Murphy: Usos</div><div class="MsoNormal">Castle: Usos</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bessler: Usos</div><div class="MsoNormal">McElvaney: Real Americans</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Analysis: Because the goal of the opening match at WrestleMania is typically to get the fans in the arena and at home excited for what’s ahead, we’re counting on the popular and energetic tag champs keeping their belts in this, the pre-show match. </div><!--EndFragment--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><!--EndFragment-->Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-12551090316277026592014-03-10T13:02:00.000-04:002014-03-10T13:02:16.200-04:00Grantland's Take On The NetworkGrantland.com's Bill Simmons and David Shoemaker <a href="http://grantland.com/features/welcome-to-the-wwe-network/">discuss the WWE Network</a>. It's long but well worth reading.<br /><br />Stu SaksPro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-62875918253645720512014-03-03T15:34:00.000-05:002014-03-03T15:34:25.817-05:00WWE Network Wish List<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">For decades, wrestling fans have enjoyed the art of fantasy booking. Now with the advent of a 24-hour pro wrestling television network, we can try our hand at fantasy programming as well.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Here’s a few ideas for shows I’d like to see on the WWE Network.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">• A house show show: For years, WWE would air some of its major live events, known as “house shows,” on regional sports cable channels, like MSG. The no-frills shows were a thrill for fans because they featured key match-ups from WWE’s hottest feuds. These days WWE doesn’t even acknowledge its house shows outside of some local television ads. It wouldn’t take much effort or production cost to air a few key matches every Friday or Saturday night from a WWE house show. Not only would it make for good original programming, but it would give fans more reason to buy a ticket next time WWE comes to town.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">•</span><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">&nbsp;A news-documentary style show: WWE’s short-lived <i>Confidential</i> series, which aired from 2002 to 2004, broke new ground with some deep, shoot-style news segments covering a range of major stories, from Randy Orton’s military court martial to Steve Austin walking out of the company. Granted, every story came with the WWE spin you would expect, but they still often made for entertaining, and sometimes riveting, television. WWE would be wise to revisit this formula on its new network.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">•</span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">&nbsp;A children’s show: There will always be questions about whether WWE’s brand of simulated violence is appropriate viewing for kids, but the fact remains that the K-12 crowd is a sizable, and important, segment of WWE’s audience. And they buy a lot of merchandise—or at least beg their parents to. Before WWE lost interest in it, <i>Saturday Morning Slam</i> was a fun half-hour on the CW network, and included some positive messages for kids about fitness and nutrition. The show wouldn’t need first-run matches, and instead could include some fun historical clips, and some light-hearted segments with Superstars.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">•</span><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">&nbsp;A <i>Mystery Science Theater</i>-type show: If you didn’t see it while aired, go out of your way to watch every episode of <i>Are You Serious?</i>—a Youtube show that aired for several months in 2012. The show featured Josh Matthews and the Road Dogg lampooning some of the worst matches, characters, and storylines in wrestling history from a viewing room inside “the basement of Titan Tower.” The hilarious show featured regular appearances from “Puppet H”—a raspy-voiced, sock puppet version of "The Game" himself. On any given week, <i>Are You Serious?</i> was the best thing WWE would produce. Reviving the show for the WWE Network is a no-brainer.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">•&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">A life-on-the-road-show: If the success of reality shows like<i> Ice Road Truckers</i> and <i>Duck Dynasty</i> have taught us anything, it’s that American television viewers love immersing themselves in the lives of people with unique occupations. And occupations don’t come any more unique than WWE performers. Each week, cameras could follow a new Superstar or Diva through their usual work week, capturing them living out of suitcases, driving hundreds of miles through the night, and eating at hotel bars. Depicting the less-glamorous side of WWE performers’ lives would give fans a deeper appreciation for what they do. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">•</span><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">&nbsp;Re-packaged classics in their original time slots: If you were a wrestling fan with cable television in the 1980s and '90s, there’s a good chance your television was tuned to TBS on Saturday night at exactly 6:05. Airing a different episode of <i>World Championship Wrestling/WCW Saturday Night</i> at the same time every week would surely put smiles on the faces of nostalgic wrestling fans, as would an episode of <i>Saturday Night’s Main Event </i>each Saturday at 11:30 p.m. The old shows could be freshened up with some "Pop Up Video" inspired comments from some wrestling veterans from the era.<br /><br />Post your ideas for new WWE Network shows in the comments section!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Al Castle</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">PWI Senior Writer</span></span><br /><br /> <!--EndFragment--> Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-24161187232487981532014-02-25T14:43:00.000-05:002014-02-25T15:53:03.297-05:00WWE Network: Early Observations<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>1161</o:Words> <o:Characters>6623</o:Characters> <o:Company>Kappa Publishing</o:Company> <o:Lines>55</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>13</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>8133</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Some e-mails exchanges between <i>PWI</i> reporters through the first 30 hours of the new WWE Network era:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Louie D:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> I went out and bought a Roku last night (we had been wanting one anyway) so I could get the Network. It took me three hours to actually be able to sign up, but I'm watching WrestleMania 3, so it was worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Louie D:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> Looks like no blurring/grayscale/etc. of blood is true. Just watched Billy Jack Haynes get busted open by Hercules and there is, as Gorilla Monsoon says, blood "pouring out of the forehead" of Haynes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Louie D:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> Hillbilly Jim's music is the random banjo music they used on the WM Anthology DVD and not "Don't Go Messin' With A Country Boy" so I guess music rights issues are still a problem. Takes away a little bit in some instances, but again, beggars can't be choosers there.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Gerry Strauss:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> Just curious … within PPVs, etc., can you select specific matches to watch or do you have to scan through the whole shows?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Louie D:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> I'm on my laptop right now … clicked on WM3 and it played from the beginning, but I can "fast forward" the clip to anywhere in the show.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Al Castle:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> It took forever to get signed up (For once, I wanted to give WWE my money, and they wouldn't take it.)</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times CY&quot;;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times;">Up and running now, and it's pretty great. You can search by a wrestler's name or a match stipulation. Right now they're showing the awesome Bret-Shawn rivalry DVD. I'm the proverbial kid in a candy store.</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times CY&quot;;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times;">On my Roku 3, the picture is amazing. Better than when I get through my cable provider.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Mike Bessler:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> I just signed up and went right to WrestleMania III. Billy Jack vs. Hercules is one of my favorite underappreciated WM matches ever. I mean … wow! I still have my doubts about whether or not the model will work in the long run (I think it's bound to drive pro wrestling into a much smaller niche market at the end of the day), but speaking just as a fan, this feels like a dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Stu Saks:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> Why do you say that, Mike? Won’t more people watch their big events now?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Mike Bessler:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> On the PPV side, there is really a loss of incentive for fans to come together to watch the shows, either at home or at sports bars, etc. So that's one area where WWE will likely lose the ability to win over the kind of potential fans who are invited to experience wrestling collectively with devotees of the genre. WWE also loses the motivation to introduce a lot of new programming via conventional markets like cable television, which—whether Vince likes it or not—is still a medium of choice for millions and millions of fans. And the DVD market will, in all likelihood, take a humongous hit and eventually wither away with the emphasis on the network, so there will be less collecting and gift-giving of media in its tangible form. More merchandising with less emphasis on the primary product seems like a very unbalanced approach to me. All in all, I think the network caters well to true believers but leads the business into to into a bottleneck of a limited, pay to play fan base that doesn't do much to bring new fans into the fold.</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times CY&quot;;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times;">Still … pretty cool. Moved on to KOTR '93. I was totally at that show.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Kevin McElvaney:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> For what it's worth, I'm still planning to have a WrestleMania party at my place this year. (Who's bringing spinach dip?) You can watch the Super Bowl alone, too, but a social event is a social event.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Louie D:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> Me too, but remember three things, Kev: Umpteen million watch the Super Bowl but 10 percent of that watch the NFL on any given week, but that number is much, much smaller during the season—and part of that is because a lot of people watch at a bar or in a huge group at home to be part of the atmosphere as much as the game; the key for wrestling is keeping those people interested and having them come back for an Extreme Rules or Payback party.</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times CY&quot;;">Two, </span><span style="font-family: Times;">in the same vein, if I'm a guy who is a casual watcher but cares little about the classic or ancillary content and knows a good friend has the network and thus every PPV (and likely will be like “hey, c'mon over and watch”), what's my incentive to give WWE any of my money? And, three, I don't know if they still do this everywhere, but my local Buffalo Wild Wings would still order all WWE PPVs simply because even if only one party comes in to watch but spends $20-$30 per head over the course of a night, it's a win. Either way, that exposes new fans to WWE in the fact that other people in BWW could theoretically watch. But now, can/will those places still want to do that, when tech-savvy people can pay $10 a month instead of $45 (or $30-plus at a BWW-type place) and watch at home —and even if they do, what if they have DirecTV or Dish or a cable company that decides to say "screw WWE, we're not carrying their events"?</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times CY&quot;;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times;">All that said, one area where I think the Network may actually help bring "new" fans is by bringing back old ones. A good friend of mine hasn't watched current programming in probably five years or more, but is subscribing to the network simply for the classic content; he says that now, but isn't there a chance he'll watch <i>NXT</i></span><span style="font-family: Times;">, or <i>Raw</i></span><span style="font-family: Times;">postgame show, or any other "current" event and maybe get the itch to check out <i>Raw</i></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> or <i>Smackdown</i></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> because of it?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Kevin McElvaney:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> No doubt. If your friend already pays the $10 per month, and you simply want to catch the pay-per-views, you might opt not to subscribe yourself. I was only countering what Mike said about the cheap subscription fee being something that might discourage group viewing habits. I don't think that'll necessarily be the case, although I can't imagine groups getting together for a Payback party. The Rumble, though, would probably be a weird thing to watch by oneself, so I guess it depends. A compelling event is a compelling event.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times;">As far as I know, the pay-per-view Blast Zones (like Buffalo Wild Wings) are going to stay operational. There's a communal aspect to those, as well. Whether or not they'll stay active long term is another question entirely.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Louie D:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> Watching Survivor Series 1990—Hogan just said WWF, so I guess that piece of litigation is also now in the past.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Al Castle:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> Yeah that's been the case for about a year now. They can also show the old scratch logo now too. A lot of the legal stuff seems so arbitrary. On the HBK Mr. WrestleMania DVD I just bought, all the Ventura commentary is erased. But they're showing ’Mania 1 right now with Ventura on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Kevin McElvaney:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> Has anyone else been running into access problems with the Network? I only attempted to use it for the first time last night, following <i>Raw</i></span><span style="font-family: Times;">, but I had no luck playing any videos. My guess is that bandwidth issues are going to be a major thing in the early stages of the launch. I can only hope we won't see streaming inconsistencies during WrestleMania and other future events.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Al Castle:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> I've only been able to watch the live stream, and some of the on demand selection of original shows. I haven't been able to pull up any of the archived PPVs on my Rokus. I always get a timed out error message.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Mike Bessler:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> I've had decent luck. The buffering issues during the afternoon yesterday thwarted my efforts at watching KOTR '93, but I watched a lot of WM 17 last night. Some of the delays and skipping is frustrating, but I'm sure it will improve.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Louie D</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;">: I had the same problems as Al last night on my Roku … only the live stream would work. I also noticed that not all of the PPVs would show up, either. In addition, this may just be a settings thing, but I couldn't even watch the ECW Hardcore TV that was on the live stream because it kept telling me my parental controls wouldn't allow it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Al Castle:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> I've also noticed at least one missing PPV: Great American Bash 1991. How am I supposed to get my Skywalkers 2 fix?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Louie D:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> I've been going through Ron Simmons vs. Oz withdrawal for 23 years now!</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times CY&quot;;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times;">I didn't have a handful of WrestleManias or SummerSlams, which was weird. And nothing from like 2002-08.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Stu Saks:</b></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> The Shawn Michaels-Bret Hart documentary starts and stops on my iPad more than a Larry Zbyszko match. Very frustrating. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><!--EndFragment-->Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-65435602660120808382014-02-21T13:32:00.001-05:002014-02-21T15:05:51.544-05:00WWE Network: Point/Counterpoint<span style="font-family: inherit;">I WILL NOT SUBSCRIBE <br />By Dan Murphy<br />PWI Senior Writer<br /><br />With countless hours of content from the WWE vault (including footage from WCW, ECW, the AWA, and dozens of major historical territories), as well as new content (such as the long-delayed reality show <i>Legends House</i>), the WWE Network seems like a dream-come-true for wrestling fans. Throw in every single pay-per-view, including WrestleMania, for just $10 per month, and it’s a no-brainer, right?<br /><br />Sorry. I’m just not interested.<br /><br />First of all, while it makes economic sense for WWE to offer the Network as a video streaming service, as opposed to a traditional television channel, that’s a turnoff to me. I already have Netflix and a Roku box with dozens of on-demand content at my disposal. I also have a premium cable TV package with hundreds of channels, where I can watch anything from Cheers re-runs to True Detective on HBO (maybe I’m more of a Woody Harrelson fan than I ever realized). I literally have thousands of options for content, and maybe an hour or two of viable TV time available per day.<br /><br />If the WWE Network was airing vintage Mid-South footage or episodes of World Class Championship Wrestling, I might tune in and watch a bit before bedtime, instead of tuning into Comedy Central for a bit. I might set the DVR and watch a little on the weekend. But WWE isn’t offering that programming yet. It’s offering its library of pay-per-views from WWE, WCW, and ECW.<br /><br />If I have a spare bit of time, I’m not going to choose to fill it by watching Goldberg and Lex Luger stink up the ring from Mayhem 2000. I’ve already seen most of those PPVs and have no interest in watching 90 percent of them again. And, if I did want to see any of those matches, I’m pretty sure I can find them on one of the many free video sharing sites out there. I know WWE’s legal team works hard to keep that content offline, but it’s not hard to find.<br /><br />But you can get live WWE 12 PPVs for just $120 for the year. That’s roughly a $600 value right there, you might say.<br /><br />True, if I planned to buy every single WWE PPV. I have no earthly intention of doing that. Does anyone remember the string of lousy PPVs at the tail end of 2013? WWE should be paying me to watch the 2013 Survivor Series.<br /><br />The WWE Network is going to make WWE programming even more of a niche and take it out of the mainstream. I don’t see casual fans making the jump the way WWE expects them to. Ten bucks a month isn’t a lot, but entertainment dollars are hard to come by, and there are so many entertainment options out there that $120 a year to watch wrestling pay-per-views is a tough sell, especially when the market is flooded with so much WWE programming isvalready available on free TV. Skip the PPV and tune into Raw the next night; not only will you get a full rundown, but you’ll probably also see several rematches from the PPV, right there on free TV.<br /><br />According to WWE’s estimates, it needs 2 million subscribers for the Network to be a major financial success. That’s twice as many people that buy WrestleMania. I don’t think that many people will be willing to sign up; remember, there are still a lot of people of who don’t have Internet access in this country, let alone a video streaming provider like Roku or X-Box. WWE is making a huge gamble. This time, I’m betting against them.<br /><br />I WILL SUBSCRIBE<br />By Kevin McElvaney<br />PWI Contributing Writer<br /><br />Given all WWE has invested in its brand, it must continue to find ways to innovate and attract new fans in order to stay viable. YouTube exclusive programming, endless references to the WWE app, and even all the talk of trending on Twitter and social media are all attempts by WWE to stay ahead of the curve. The WWE Network is a major and, in my mind, very shrewd step in that direction.<br /><br />Streaming video and internet-only programming represent the wave of the future. What WWE will be doing now starting Monday—streamlining some of its products and making them available independent of cable providers—is nothing short of cutting edge. Mark my words: You will see the HBOs and ESPNs of the world doing the same thing within the next five years. Is there a chance that some fans won’t bite, given the need for a tablet, streaming device, or other ìsmartî technology to watch the Network? Sure. For that matter, the moving of WWE’s weekly programming to cable probably alienated some fans. It also undoubtedly inspired others to subscribe to a cable service so that they wouldn’t miss the programming they were used to catching with their rabbit ear antennas. WWE’s younger fans are and will continue to be tech savvy, and WWE is wise to jump on the streaming bandwagon sooner than later.<br /><br />Sure, there is already plenty of WWE programming available, even without the exclusive new and archival content promised by the Network. There are also, as Mr. Murphy mentions, only so many hours in the day to watch television. And yet, has this done anything to impede the success of Netflix, Hulu, Redbox, and various other convenient, new outlets for getting entertainment? No. It has only hurt those companies that have been unable to adapt, or those that increasingly cost too much money (looking at you, cable providers). A streaming service specifically for pro wrestling fans makes up for the dearth of in-ring content served up by other providers, and there is absolutely a market for this sort of thing.<br /><br />Let’s consider what WWE Network offers. True, as my colleague says, it will not initially include much of the classic, regional programming now part of the WWE library. The service is just starting, though, and we will almost certainly be seeing World Class Championship Wrestling, National Wrestling Alliance, and all the rest offered on the Network sometime soon. In the meantime, every WWE, WCW, and ECW pay-per-view is nothing to take lightly. If you can’t find something to enjoy in an archive of that caliber, then maybe pro wrestling isn’t for you.<br /><br />Then, there is the inclusion of every pay-per-view in the subscription price. Sure, I will admit to not having any interest in some of WWE’s monthly events. But do the math. There is not a year goes by when I’m willing to miss The Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, or SummerSlam. That’s about $180 right there. So, even if I’m only watching three monthly pay-per-views—for some reason neglecting the service for the rest of the year while dutifully paying the bill for it—I’ve come out ahead of the $120 yearly tab. In practice, I have plenty of interest in the archival content, most of the other monthly pay-per-view events, and, yes, even programs like Legends House.<br /><br />The impending launch of the WWE Network is a big gamble. It’s untested, and it needs a whole heap of subscribers to be a success. My bet is that they’ll get halfway there pretty quickly, and then Dan Murphy and the many more holdouts will come to their senses. </span>Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-4856629766036277112014-02-18T14:27:00.001-05:002014-02-18T15:15:33.741-05:00Why TNA Still Matters<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Over the course of the past few years, I’ve written quite a few items in support of TNA (hey, here’s <a href="http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2010/08/confessions-of-budding-tna-fan.html">one from almost four years ago</a> from this very blog). Throughout its various and sundry phases of expansion, contraction, innovation, and stagnancy, I’ve tried to stay optimistic for the sake of the business itself because, in my mind, the more wrestling that’s out there, the better it is, whether you’re a wrestler, a fan, a concession vendor, or a writer for the world’s most respected wrestling magazine. That’s not to say that people should settle for a substandard product either. And these days, TNA is anything but substandard. In fact, as hesitant as I am to once again publicly get behind TNA’s new direction, I’m going to do it again because TNA <i>still</i> matters. And it’s the efforts of some of their brightest stars that give me more enthusiasm than ever that something positive is going on with the company. Here are a few of my favorite examples:</span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Magnus</b>: He’s the perfect face for the new incarnation of TNA and <i>Impact Wrestling</i>. A solid performer not just with regard to his in-ring skills and appearance, but also with an ability to tell a story with what he says and what he doesn’t say. Throughout the Bound For Glory tournament and his break from the Main Event Mafia, it was the omnipresent feeling that Magnus was holding back his emotions and sentiments that put him in a great position for a credible turn to the dark side. Now that he has the brass ring, there’s still a sense that Magnus isn’t really happy with the idea that he’s at the beck and call of the Carter clan. How he chooses to resolve his inner conflicts remains to be seen.</span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>MVP</b>: It’s true that just about anybody without a tremendous amount of baggage in the business (Hogan, Bischoff, Russo, et al) could’ve stepped into the “secret investor” role and brought some intrigue to the mix, but MVP really offers a lot in his new gig with TNA. I admit that I was skeptical at first, but it didn’t take long for me to change my tune. He’s a gifted talker, a seasoned grappler, and he has the kind of charisma that grabs fans’ interest and sustains it. It’s especially encouraging that just a couple of weeks into this stint, MVP has worked every angle of his new character to perfection. </span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Rockstar Spud and Ethan Carter</b>: Early on, I just couldn’t stand these guys. Every time either dude was on the screen, I had to fight the urge to punch my TV screen. Then it hit me: I was seeing them through the eyes of a <i>fan</i>. There’s nothing wrong with that, but what the realization meant to me is that they were doing their job extremely well. They were putting everything they had into making the audience hate them, and it was absolutely working. Spud and EC3 are excellent buttresses to Dixie’s credibility as a bad guy, because where her credibility as a performer often falters, they can step in without hesitation and draw the ire of fans on her behalf. That’s how you know they’re real professionals. </span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Willow</b>: It’s nice to see that Jeff Hardy wasn’t in the exodus of those leaving TNA in pursuit of greener pastures (and some old glory). When the new “Willow” promo aired during last week’s show, social media bubbled over with folks complaining that Hardy’s character was a ripoff of The Wyatt Family, Back Reign, and Spider-Man foe Electro. A 1.82 second search on Google will educate even the snarkiest fans, revealing that Willow has been around for a while, though. Maybe Hardy’s dusting off this persona off provide a change of scenery for his longtime fans. Either way, it’s something different for TNA. Three cheers for that. </span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ken Anderson and Bully Ray</b>: According to the official line from I<i>mpact Wrestling</i>, their feud ended last week with the casket match. But I wouldn’t mind if it went a few more months. The dramatic side of the rivalry went a little too far when Bully threatened Anderson’s newborn twins. That was just a little too gratuitous for my liking. But their in-ring meetings were classic throwdowns, and I wouldn't mind seeing them mix it up a few more times.</span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There’s a lot more stuff to crow about with TNA right now. The BroMans are on fire, the company has added Alpha Female and Santana Garrett to the Knockouts roster, and guys like Chris Sabin and Bobby Roode are giving us some of the best “must watch” backstage moments from week to week. I’d like to see some more indy folks brought in, even just for short-term spots on television. Midwest brawler “Farmer” Billy Hills or southerner Barry Wolf, the latter of whom was gunning for a TNA spot in last year's Gut Check Challenge, are the kind of guys that I’d love to see on TV mixing it up with TNA’s mainstays. The fact is, it’s a big world out there and TNA doesn’t have to hand out a big ol’ buttload of long-term contracts to keep its talent pool and storylines fresh.</span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">None of my enthusiasm is meant to say that TNA is over the hump with regard to finances, ratings, and any anything else that’s going on backstage and in their front office. It is worth noting, however, that I’ve heard from a number of TNA’s top-tier guys that, by and large, they’re very happy with how things are going in the company and that the nonstop reports of TNA’s imminent demise are largely fictional. This doesn’t mean that TNA is close to being or will ever be a credible competitor to WWE’s spot as the industry leader. But as long as they’re alive, accessible, and entertaining, it’s worth the time and attention of wrestling fans to hang in there and enjoy what they’re bringing to the table.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mike Bessler</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PWI Contributing Writer</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">@OfficialPWI Contributor</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-78958709787332406062014-01-21T15:17:00.001-05:002014-01-21T15:17:22.873-05:0010 Reasons To Make Cena vs. Hogan At WM 30<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I can't believe I'm about to write this, but here goes:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Hulk Hogan should wrestle John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania 30.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I'll give you moment to stop laughing and throwing tomatoes at your computer monitor.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I know, it sounds preposterous. John Cena is the star in all of wrestling, and, at 36, is still at his physical prime. Hulk Hogan is a very beaten up 60, and has struggled in recent years just to walk to the ring, much less work an actual match.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">But, if the match is at all possible, there are several reasons why WWE should do it this year in New Orleans. Here are some:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>1.</b> <b>It is one of the last few "dream matches":</b> With WWE having all but monopolized the pro wrestling business in the United States--there are few, if any, big matches that fans haven't seen yet. Even more so than they did with Rock vs. Cena, WWE can bill this as a truly exclusive, once in a lifetime match, pitting the two biggest stars of their respective generations against each other. Short of, maybe, Cena vs. Steve Austin, what match could possibly be bigger?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>2.</b> <b>It may be now or never:</b> Whether it was Austin vs. Hogan, Flair vs. Hogan at WrestleMania 8, or a well-booked WCW invasion angle, WWE's history is filled with missed opportunities that fans, and Vince McMahon alike, would love to have a chance to make right. Sure, you can argue that the window to make this match already closed several years ago. But, even if it's open a small crack, that's more than it will be next year, when both Hogan and Cena will be a year older. Besides that, who knows where Hogan will be a year from now? He could re-sign with TNA or have some other business or personal commitment that would preclude him from participating in future WrestleManias. Hogan is available now and has made it clear he wants to do business with WWE. The stars may never align like this again.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>3.</b> <b>If just for one night, Hogan can still be Hogan:</b> Don't count on seeing Hogan drop the big leg, or even run the ropes. But even in his physical condition, Hogan could still transform the SuperDome into a time machine headed for 1987. Whether it's feverishly pointing to the ring as he walks down the aisle (slowly) to "Real American," or "Hulking Up" at just the right moment, Hogan has enough tricks up his sleeve to give fans their money's worth in 2014. At the very least, Hogan still largely looks like the "Hulkster" WWE fans remember from years ago, and that can go a long way.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>4. </b>There's a heck of a story to be told: For guidance on how to properly book this match, I'd hand WWE writers a DVD of <i>Rocky Balboa,</i> the 2006 film that told the story of a 60ish "Italian Stallion" getting one last shot at the heavyweight championship, if only for nostalgia's sake. Cena might be reluctant to wrestle Hogan, out of concern of hurting the old-imer. He can even "take it easy" on him in the match's opening minutes. But, as the bout progresses, Cena begins to realize that he underestimated Hogan, whose determination and strength are more than Cena bargained for. The decision on who wins the match is less important than the story they tell.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>5. Hogan would be at his best:</b> I was in the building a couple years ago for Hogan's last real singles match, against Sting at TNA Bound For Glory 2011. The bout was hardly a masterpiece, but it did vastly exceed my expectations, thanks in part to TNA wisely incorporating a lot of outside interference and gimmickry to limit what Hogan was expected to do. (That said, Hogan took at least three back bumps). Granted, Hogan is three years older, but he'll also be more driven than he has been in years to bring his A-game on the biggest of all stages, WrestleMania. If the fans' cheers aren't enough motivation for Hogan, the paycheck he's sure to earn, as well as the possibility of more WWE paydays, should be, given Hogan's reported financial problems. For his part, Cena would likely welcome the challenge of carrying Hogan to a watchable performance, and nobody knows how to work the WWE main-event style better than Cena. What's more, WWE is sure to call upon the absolute master of wrestling smoke and mirrors, Pat Patterson, to layout an entertaining spectacle. WWE also has the resources to help get Hogan in the best possible physical shape in time for the big show.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>6. Cena doesn't have any other obvious WrestleMania opponents: </b>If booking Cena vs. Hogan at WrestleMania 30 came at the expense of another surefire WrestleMania main-event-worthy match, then my reservations would be even greater. But, in truth, there is no other obvious money match for Cena this year. Heck, as of a couple of weeks ago, WWE was even considering pairing Cena with Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania, according to reports. This is not to say that WWE couldn't come up with a suitable main-event level opponent for Cena, including CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Brock Lesnar, Triple-H, or even The Undertaker. But, with the exception of 'Taker, none of those feel exactly fresh, nor worthy of WrestleMania 30 main-event status. Coming off of back-to-back matches with The Rock, Cena demands a truly big-name opponent for WrestleMania. And they don't come any bigger than Hulk Hogan.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>7. It would create other interesting match possibilities:</b> Pairing Cena with Hogan would open up the possibility of several other key matches at WrestleMania--including a true "main event." Instead of wrestling Cena in what would likely be the other big-money 'Mania match WWE could put together, The Undertaker could instead take on Brock Lesnar in a long-talked about showdown. Triple-H--also rumored to be a likely WrestleMania opponent for Cena--could instead take on Daniel Bryan. Whatever the case, if Hogan and Cena wrestled each other in a featured match somewhere in the mid-card, that would allow two other, deserving talents to shine in the final match of the night.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>8. Fans would go nuts:</b> To this day, I've never heard a louder crowd than that inside the Toronto SkyDome at WrestleMania 18 a dozen years ago when Hogan took on The Rock. I expect that many of the same ingredients that made that match so special in the eyes of fans would be replicated in Hogan vs. Cena. Not only would the pairing drive WWE's existing fans to a frenzy, but it is also likely to lure in many more fans from Hogan's era who would be curious to see Hogan in one more WrestleMania main event. Incidentally, many of those fans would likely be inclined to subscribe to the nostalgia-heavy WWE Network.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>9. It's WrestleMania 30:</b> Even if they don't do it this year, it's all together possible that WWE could book Cena vs. Hogan at WrestleMania 31, or even later. Yes, Hogan will be a year older, but he'd also have more time to heal his body and get in shape. That said, WrestleMania 30 is a truly historic milestone for WWE, and it's worthy of a truly match. Seeing as how Hogan had a big hand in the success of the early WrestleManias, it's fitting that he would headline the 30th installment.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>10. WWE has nothing to lose:</b> It comes down to this: Why not? Sure, there is every chance that Hogan vs. Cena, even under the best of circumstances, would be bowling shoe ugly, as JR would say. But, the fact is, fans will have already spent their money by then. That may sound particularly cynical, but it's how the fight game works. Whether it's boxing, mixed martial arts, or wrestling, big events are made or broken before the fighters get into the ring. It's why the hype for WrestleMania 24 centered on The Big Show vs. Floyd Mayweather, and not The Undertaker vs. Edge. As it did with Show-Mayweather, WWE could choose to put Hogan-Cena somewhere in the middle of the event, and close the show with another top match. But if WWE's goal is to get as many pay-per-view buys, or new subscribers to its network, then no other marquee match carries the must-see, freak show marketability of Hogan vs. Cena. Whether you think it's a good idea, or a terrible one, you know you'll want to see it.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Al Castle</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">PWI Senior Writer</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-4391793497031611782014-01-06T13:35:00.000-05:002014-01-06T13:38:00.385-05:00A Wrestling “Wish List” for 2014Because I spend so much time on social media these days—for personal stuff as well as handling Twitter-related matters for <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialPWI">@OfficialPWI</a>—I think I have a decent feel for how fans feel about 2013. Generally speaking, the consensus seems to be that it wasn’t one of pro wrestling’s better years. In fact, many fans appear to think there was more bad than good going on in the squared circle in 2013. There was plenty of good, to be sure. For my money, Bully Ray was one of the most enjoyable workers in TNA and he made the promotion fun to watch. Then there’s Daniel Bryan, who had a banner year, as evidenced by the fact that <i>PWI</i> readers voted him “Wrestler of the Year” in our new issue (which, incidentally is on sale now at <a href="http://pwi-online.com/">pwi-online.com</a>). <br /><br />But 2014 could certainly be better than 2013, that much is for certain. Hey, I’ve said it before: When it comes to wrestling, I can be pretty easy to please. I suppose that’s why I’m content to watch and re-watch the same old grainy footage of Kareem Mohammed tearing up Jay Youngblood’s headdress&nbsp; from their feud in the early-1980s; I like the stuff that’s compelling and attention-getting without having to think or worry too much about what’s going on backstage. There are a few things that I’d really like to see in the coming year. Some of them are relatively “mainstream,” but I have a few offbeat druthers as well. All in all, what I’m hoping for isn’t exactly on par with the imaginations of Tolstoy or Melville, but it’s a little outside of the box, and that might be what we need to bounce back from a rather lackluster year. Here’s a sampling of my personal wish list ...<br /><br /><b>A “double-turn” from Daniel Bryan</b>: I can’t claim this idea as my own, because I saw it being discussed in a chat room during this week’s <i>Monday Night Raw</i>, but I have to say it’d be way cool if Bryan’s turn to the “dark side” somehow resulted in him turning The Wyatt Family into an anti-Authority rebellion. It would be complex and perhaps difficult to pull off (kind of like “The Switch” episode of <i>Seinfeld</i>) but if everything fell into place, it would be well worth the long, strange trip. Whatever actually happens, it has to be better than the time CM Punk joined The New Breed. Or that time that John Cena joined Nexus. <b>Prognosis</b>: Possible, but not probable. <br /><br /><b>Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania</b>: No doubt about it, if "Hulkster" came back at The Royal Rumble, it would turn the wrestling world on its ear. Everyone from Jimmy Hart to your typical fanboy in his shrunken, old-school <i>PWI</i> T-shirt wants to see this happen. It’s a sure thing that a 'Mania match that pits Hogan against any big name from today’s roster could easily make that show one of the biggest shindigs in wrestling history. <b>Prognosis</b>: All signs point to maybe.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AW-LiTDuHpY/UsryVo-tIWI/AAAAAAAAAU8/001iE_EAjtM/s1600/TobyKeith14+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AW-LiTDuHpY/UsryVo-tIWI/AAAAAAAAAU8/001iE_EAjtM/s1600/TobyKeith14+copy.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Days gone by: Toby Keith <br />visits the Impact Zone</td></tr></tbody></table><b>A new and serious contender in the wrestling industry</b>: The hot rumor at the moment is that Jeff Jarrett and Toby Keith are set to announce a new project—something along the lines of a <i>brand new wrestling promotion</i>—in the very near future. To make things a bit more scintillating, Jim Ross is allegedly in the fold in some capacity or another. Details are sketchy, but some insiders, like wrestling vet turned podcaster Konnan, are saying that it’s really and truly in the works. It sounds almost too good to be true, really. I’m a lifelong fan of the southern style <i>rasslin</i>’ and that’s why Memphis-area brawler Phil Hickerson will always rank in my list of all-time favorites. So I can totally get on board with this idea in principle. But if the whole “Billy Corgan is buying TNA” affair from weeks past has taught us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t get too excited until the key players get behind a microphone or in front of a camera and tell us that the ink is dry on a contract or two. Nevertheless, a collaboration between an innovator like Jarrett and a deep-pocketed enthusiast like Keith brings about the kind of potential that is the stuff of dreams for wrestling fans. And Ol’ J.R. would be the icing on that cake, too. <b>Prognosis</b>: With a little less talk and a lot more action, we just might have something to believe in. <br /><br /><b>A higher grade of women’s wrestling from TNA and WWE</b>: I definitely miss some of the Knockouts who are no longer with TNA, but ODB’s recent rise to prominence as well as Madison Rayne’s return to the squared circle are encouraging signs of things to come. I’d hope that WWE might spend less time grooming their Divas for roles on a reality show, but it sure looks like WWE has hit upon a recipe for short-term success with the hype and ratings surrounding of <i>Total Divas</i>. <b>Prognosis</b>: Thank goodness for SHIMMER. <br /><br /><b>Better times for TNA</b>: I’m not the least bit ashamed to say that I love watching the TNA product. But at the same time, a lot of the company's recent moves have been pretty hard to get behind. They’re losing big names left and right, and at some level, with so many rumors flying, one would have to logically conclude that they’re going through a rough patch. But they enjoy a spot on prime time television and a dedicated following in the U.S. and abroad. They have a talented locker room, even without the big names who left in 2013. I agree with <i>PWI</i>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/AlCastlePWI">Al Castle</a> that one can hardly call TNA a distant second to WWE at this point but I also believe that folks who really want TNA to collapse or be assimilated into WWE are, at the very least, terribly misguided. TNA’s demise, at this point in the game, would leave a tremendous void in the business, and if you don’t like what you’re seeing from WWE right now, I’ve got sour news for you, Jack: An absence of TNA will mean more of the same from WWE for a long, long time. Still, TNA has some major problems to fix, and for things to drastically improve, they need to make some far-reaching, yet common sense changes, soon. <b>Prognosis</b>: Crossing my fingers, but not holding my breath.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pwi-online.com/covers/FullSize/1995/95-12.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.pwi-online.com/covers/FullSize/1995/95-12.gif" height="200" width="146" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>PWI</i>, December '95</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br />Some good TV time for R-Truth</b>: Okay, I know this is probably not on anyone else’s radar, but I really see some potential for Truth to be a breakout star if the right people get behind him. His in-ring work has improved and he’s gold on the mike, especially when he’s “Crazy R-Truth.” I don’t care if he’s “good guy crazy” or “bad guy crazy,” this guy can really work. His current work with Xavier Woods and their rivalry with Brodus Clay give R-Truth the chance to get out there and make people take notice once again. Fort my part, I’d love to see him get to the top someday. <b>Prognosis</b>: Stranger things have happened ... like the time that Diesel and Mabel made the cover of <i>PWI</i>. <br /><br /><b>A decent sampling of indy wrestling on television</b>: Indy stuff is all over the 'net, but there’s still nothing like firing up some wrestling on the ol’ boob tube. More and more these days, smaller satellite channels seem to be playing around with offering indy promotions time slots on their networks. Sometimes these promotions are getting regional coverage, and others, like Arkansas-based TCW, are inking deals that bring their action into homes all around the country. Sure, the time slots aren’t always great, but in the age of the DVR, it’s pretty easy to set your timer and watch something new and different whenever you want. In that respect, it’s a good time to be a wrestling fan. <b>Prognosis</b>: Take this one to the bank, brother.<br /><br />Let's face it: The Attitude Era is a thing of the past and the original ECW isn't coming back. But there's still a lot to enjoy when it comes to wrestling, both with respect to what's already here and what could be right around the corner. <br /><br />Mike Bessler<br /><i>PWI</i> Contributing Writer<br />@officialPWI Contributor<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-91660615631898348732013-12-27T09:46:00.002-05:002013-12-27T09:46:56.602-05:00Of Styles And Substance<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t follow the logic. Whether the departure of AJ Styles from TNA is legitimate or part of a storyline isn’t really the issue for me. If it's real, TNA is letting one of its most talented performers drift away. If it's part of a storyline, then TNA is just doing what they've done so many times in the past, blurring the lines between real world concerns and storytelling to the point that fans don't know and don't care what to believe anymore. Either way, it's not good.<br />&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">AJ deserves better, from the business and from wrestling fans. On December 16, Styles issued a public statement on his rather unceremonious (and relatively anticlimactic) parting of ways with the organization that’s been home to him for over a decade. Wrestling’s rumor mill is often rife with intrigue and venom, but with regard to Styles, the rhetoric seems uniquely ignoble. Here’s the backdrop: Since 2002, Styles has been an integral part of the U.S.' number-two promotion. Through some of the company’s more difficult stretches, he’s proven to be one of the most consistently entertaining folks on the roster. Hell, one could even make the argument that Styles helped build TNA into a credible, viable outlet for mainstream wrestling fans who might otherwise have ignored the company altogether. A top-ranked singles performer; a charismatic, energetic and able-bodied performer; a man with a passion for professional wrestling—it’s not too much of a stretch to say he’s TNA’s John Cena.<br /><br />But that—all that—wasn’t enough for TNA to keep him down on the farm. And he’s just another name in a big list of folks who have slipped away from TNA this year. Stu Saks spelled it out in his “From The Desk Of...” column in the November 2013 issue of <i>PWI</i> when he provided a list of the folks who had been cut by TNA over the course of recent months. I wasn’t convinced, myself. Stu noted that his sources were saying that TNA was in “more trouble than it’s been in in a long while” at that point, but around the same time, I heard from some folks in the business that the state of the company was relatively strong. I don’t like disagreeing with Stu, anyway. It’s like arguing with my father-in-law about which tires are better for my car; I have my own reasons and preferences, but at the end of the day, I’d be crazy to go against the sage-like wisdom that comes with decades of experience. <br /><br />Hogan’s departure, which followed the exodus that Stu Saks described, was a tremendous blow to TNA’s continuing assertions that everything was still going swimmingly for the company. The way he went out, with on-screen figurehead Dixie Carter on her knees begging him to stay, was especially embarassing. Maybe they didn’t expect things to shake out the way they did, but in retrospect, it’s really hard to see the wisdom in how the Hulkster’s exit was staged. Now we’re hearing that Jeff Jarrett, the architect of Total Nonstop Action wrestling and, for many years, the driving force behind the company on screen and behind the scenes, has officially left the company as well. Yet, as big as Hogan and Jarrett are with regard to the company’s origins and recent past, the potential loss of Styles is the biggest blow to an organization that is increasingly short on depth and substance these days.<br /><br />Much to my surprise, I’ve seen a vocal contingent on social media sharing some rather bleak predictions about Styles’ potential future outside of TNA. I’ve read a lot of skepticism regarding Styles’ marketability as a WWE guy (which, all told, is likely more of a commentary on WWE than on Styles himself) and I’ve seen a fair amount of people questioning whether or not Styles could even become a formidable player in ROH and independent wrestling. Even grantland.com's</span>&nbsp;David Shoemaker took a rather mean-spirited swipe at Styles shortly before his departure of TNA, as well as Adam Pearce and Christopher Daniels, suggesting they’d missed their moment and likening them to “30-year-old(s) playing Triple-A ball.”<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />A lot of the critique seems more like parlor games and puffery as opposed to substantive analysis of Styles’ abilities and TNA’s struggles. Styles’ noteworthy run with TNA makes one thing very clear: these entities—the grappler and his longtime home—are best served staying together. For Styles, he’s a big fish in a relatively small pond and, when he’s allowed to shine and flourish, merits top billing solely because of how and what he does in the ring. For TNA, Styles is a bankable, reliable star who never lets his fans down. Is Styles tainted through his longstanding relationship with TNA? Maybe, but only to those who make up their minds by judging individual workers on the missteps and poor decisions of the company itself, which is a rather unfortunate and shortsighted perspective. The fact is, Styles deserves better and TNA can and should do better by him. In the words of some other big-time wrestling guy, “It’s what’s good for business.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mike Bessler</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>PWI</i> Contributing Writer</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">@OfficialPWI Contributor</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-3665131987762804632013-12-13T09:44:00.001-05:002013-12-13T15:16:50.697-05:00TLC: New Hype For Some Old Ideas <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I don’t want to be one of <i>those</i> guys. You all know what I’m talking about. Those <i>Internet</i> guys. The guys who complain and complain and complain about every single angle going on in pro wrestling today. The ones who tweet, post, and blog about what’s wrong with the business but offer no new or substantive ideas on how it could someday get better<span class="st">—</span>mostly because they’ll never be satisfied anyway. The ones who say there hasn’t been a good <i>Monday Night Raw</i> since 1997. But somehow, y’know, they’re still <i>fans</i>.&nbsp; And hey,</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">at the end of the day,&nbsp;I really don’t think I am one of those guys. But I have to admit that right here, right now, I <i>do</i> agree with them about one thing: The “big match” heading into TLC doesn’t have a whole lot going for it. Not much at all. Note that I am choosing my words carefully here because <i>PWI </i>Publisher Stu Saks tends frown upon the kind of coarse language that I’d rather use to describe the big Cena/Orton “showdown.”</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It’s just <i>tough</i>, that’s all. It’s tough to get excited about this when it feels like all we’re being offered is a warmed up batch of leftovers from the back of pro wrestling’s gigantic, stainless steel LG refrigerator. Many, many voices on the 'net have sharply (and correctly) criticized the current incarnation of the Cena/Orton feud, largely because <i>we’ve already seen it</i>. More than once. And why would this particular showdown<span class="st">—</span>in which things have been just thrown together for the sake of choosing the “new” face of WWE<span class="st">—</span>be more personal than the other ones? Like the time in 2007 that Orton shackled Cena to the ring while he punted Cena’s dad in the head…I mean <i>that’s </i>personal, folks. Or how about when Orton’s 2010 win over Wade Barrett resulted in Cena’s brief exile from WWE? Those were some high stakes, right? The point here is that we’ve seen these guys before. Sure, they can work a match, but it seems like WWE is just putting some lipstick on the same old cash cows.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And the title unification thing? Again, we’ve been down this road before. Is the title unification for keepsies this time or is this just another story that’ll be undone in a few weeks or a few months when the story gets stale? I think my friend and fellow <i>PWI </i>contributor Kevin McElvaney captured the cynicism of a lot of frustrated fans when he jokingly told me that the TLC main event should be re-christened as the “<span class="null">No, It's Only Going to Be One Belt, For Real This Time!” match.</span>&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In a recent message to their text subscribers, WWE kept up their full-court press for the forthcoming showdown, asking fans if TLC’s Cena/Orton main event is “the biggest match in WWE history.” It was a rhetorical question, though, because it wasn’t attached to any particular poll. But really … Bigger than Hogan and Andre? Bigger than Michaels and Austin? Bigger than Rock and Cena? Bigger than Sammartino and Morales? It was the aforementioned text that got me thinking: Is there any other sport or form of entertainment that consistently hypes its product to a level that makes it almost impossible to deliver at the end of the day? I think the <i>potential</i> is usually there, but most comparable enterprises resist the temptation to do so just in case they don’t deliver … so that they don’t hurt their overall product in the end.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Did anyone know that the Rams and Titans would put on one of the best championship games ever before the kickoff for Super Bowl XXXIV was in the air? Nah. Can anyone say that a World Series will have a nail-biter ending in Game 7 before the first pitch? Nope. But can we say that Sunday’s champion vs. champion match at TLC is the most important contest in WWE history? In this case, logic is absolutely turned on its head by the hype machine because WWE suggests it could very well be the best ever.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sure, this could all be an elaborate set-up for a much larger and more exciting story that naysayers like me are too shortsighted to imagine. But with a healthy mix of recycled ideas and a shaky build for Orton as convincing and formidable opposition to Cena’s veritable freight train of momentum, it’s really hard to get excited about Sunday's main event.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mike Bessler<br /><i>PWI</i> Contributing Writer<br />@OfficialPWI Contributor</span></span>Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-74081728806119284242013-10-22T11:02:00.002-04:002013-10-22T11:07:05.031-04:00The All-Too-Real World Of Wrestling<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">On Saturday afternoon, I presented Cheerleader Melissa with a plaque for being named number-one in the 2013 "<i>PWI </i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Female 50." On Sunday afternoon, I stood at her side in a hospital in suburban Chicago, as a doctor sewed 10 in stitches to close a nasty gash in her left eyebrow.<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">It’s funny how quickly wrestling can take a person from center stage to the emergency room.<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">I started with <i>PWI</i> in 1997. Through the years, many promotions have afforded me the luxury of having open access to the wrestlers backstage before and after shows. SHIMMER has been particularly accommodating to me, and I have formed several friendships with members of the roster and staff. Making the trek from Buffalo, NY, to Berwyn, IL, for SHIMMER taping weekends (four DVD tapings over a two-day span, or about 16 hours of wrestling during a marathon session) has become a highlight on my wrestling calendar.<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKBVHKg2o78/UmaUBtEBG_I/AAAAAAAAATU/zdPt8sfS4KA/s1600/20131020_182505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKBVHKg2o78/UmaUBtEBG_I/AAAAAAAAATU/zdPt8sfS4KA/s320/20131020_182505.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">On Sunday afternoon, I was seated on a closed off area behind the camera. Seated next to me was Lisa Marie Varon, the former Victoria/Tara, who hosted the official SHIMMER after-party at her restaurant The Squared Circle. SHIMMER Volume 60 was drawing to a close, as two-time SHIMMER champion Cheerleader Melissa defended the title against LuFisto in a terrific match. Melissa and LuFisto were battling in the far corner, with their backs to the stage where we were sitting, when LuFisto caught Melissa with an elbow to the face. It looked like a routine elbowsmash from my vantage point, and Melissa fought back, lifting LuFisto onto her shoulders. “Electric Chair,” Lisa whispered, not so much to me, as much as out of the genuine excitement of being caught up in the action. But before Melissa could fall back and slam LuFisto from her shoulders to the mat, LuFisto executed a reverse rana, flipping Melissa over backward.<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">I cringed. It looked to me like Melissa had landed hard on crown of her head. Through the mass of hair covering her face, I thought I saw blood begin to trickle down her forehead. Was it blood or was it just sweat-matted hair? I had a bad feeling and I stood up, craning to see if she was hurt, as the referee dove in to check on her. I saw Melissa reach up and gingerly dab at her forehead; her hand came away red with blood. <br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">“She’s busted open,” I said. Lisa leaned in to look as Melissa raised her head. Blood was beginning to stream down her face. I heard Lisa gasp “oh no.”<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">The weird thing about wrestling: You might think that the more you understand the nuances of the sport, the more jaded you would become about big moves. That’s not true. In actuality, you become more keenly aware of anything that can go wrong on even the most “routine” move. I was afraid she had split open her scalp and that she was too stunned to continue.<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">I hurried backstage. The crew watching on the small monitor couldn’t see that she was bleeding yet. “Melissa’s bleeding!” I called out to SHIMMER official Allison Danger, who was near the monitor. “Her head. It looks bad.”<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">By now, Melissa had gotten back to her feet and the blood pouring down her face was visible on camera.<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">One thing fans never experience is the atmosphere backstage when someone is injured. People crowded to the monitors, people ran to grab ice and clean towels. “What happened?” “Can she finish?” “Is she okay?” </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Wrestling can be a mercenary business where people compete for positions and spots on the card. But when someone gets hurt, the locker room is united in concern. It’s a tight-knit fraternity, and if one wrestler in injured, everyone rushes in to help if they can.<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Fortunately, Melissa’s injury wasn’t as severe as I feared. She didn’t land on her head with the rana; she had been busted open by the innocuous elbow, which caught her square on the eyebrow. There was no concussion or additional injuries. She was able to finish the match, and came back through the curtain to find a dozen of us clustered around her, ready to offer her water, towels, and bandages.<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">I’m not a member of the roster by any means, but the SHIMMER family has been so welcoming to me through the years that I feel like I’m part of the crew. Several people volunteered to help. Some were asked to help Melissa clean up and assist her in getting changed. Someone was asked to watch over her merchandise as intermission began. I was asked to take her to the hospital.<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">I drove Melissa to a nearby hospital and waited with her in the emergency room. “This is the kind of thing the fans never get to see,” Melissa said. Just a few miles away, Cheerleader Melissa was an iconic persona, a champion recently honored for being the best in the world at what she does by an international magazine. But in that hospital room, she was just Melissa Anderson, one of maybe three dozen people waiting to see a doctor on a Sunday evening in suburban Chicago.<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Melissa received her stitches, and we hurried back to the Berwyn Eagles Club, just in time for her to make a surprise appearance, interfering in the main event and costing LuFisto her match against Mercedes Martinez. Melissa may wind up with a scar, but other than that, she was okay.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">As I brought Melissa back to the venue and she rushed off, intent to get back into the ring, it struck me that I had a unique vantage point of the entire incident – from watching with the crowd to alerting the back, from helping attend to Melissa as others assessed the damage to sitting beside her as a surgeon stitched her back together. It had been a whirlwind of main-event highs, fear, panic, concern, compassion, and an intoxicating relief, and it had been experienced, in varying degrees, by everyone in the SHIMMER crew. As a writer, I felt it was my obligation to share the experience with you – the reader.<br />&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">This is wrestling. And sometimes, in a stark emergency room on a gloomy fall night, it’s more real than you'd imagine.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Dan Murphy</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">PWI Senior Writer (medical transporter and photographer)</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"></span></span></div><br /><!--EndFragment--> Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-6638842871617441272013-09-24T10:01:00.002-04:002013-09-24T13:54:42.164-04:00Together Raw Stands, Divided It Falls<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">One thing that has stuck out recently, in a WWE landscape increasingly dominated by antagonists, there is an absence of true heroes. Sure, there are plenty of fan favorites to go around. They wrestle by the rules, sign autographs, and generally try to portray themselves as model citizens to wrestling fans across the globe. The real problem with these “good guys” is the lack of interest many of them seem to take in the common good of the WWE locker room.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Think of all the situations in recent years – and, particularly, in recent months – where defenseless competitors have been isolated and maimed by packs of wrestlers or in clearly unfair situations. Consider The Wyatt Family’s relentless decimation of Kane over the summer. Week after week, almost without exception, the Wyatt clan was allowed to do this, completely unchallenged by a locker room of wrestlers who could’ve put a stop to it. More recently, we’ve seen The Shield and Randy Orton run roughshod over Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler, and others. Again, we saw this go on for weeks, with no one standing up to those four men.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Sure, Triple-H made threats to fire people who interfered with what was “best for business.” It’s also true that, on the September 16 edition of <i>Raw</i>, a group of fan favorites finally did come to the aid of Bryan. Apparently, they’d “had enough.” It’s worth noting, though, that most of the men who helped Bryan fight off The Shield that night had previously been the victim of Shield and/or Orton attacks themselves. The decision to help Bryan was probably fueled by more than mere altruism.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">On the September 23 edition of <i>Raw</i>, the same men who’d aligned themselves with Bryan the week before were placed on his team. In the night’s main event, 11 of Raw’s fan favorites took on The Shield in an 11-on-3 handicap match. To the surprise of many WWE fans, only four of those 11 men survived the elimination match. Surely, The Shield members were formidable opponents, but why were seven fan favorites unable to best three other wrestlers, especially with the backing of four talented partners? <br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">The answer to that question, of course, is the fact that several of the 11 wrestlers on Bryan’s team had been subjected to unscrupulous beat-downs earlier that night. The Prime Time Players had faced an uneven assault from The Wyatt Family, while Rob Van Dam and Kofi Kingston each succumbed to ruthless attacks that left them bandaged up and unable to perform to their usual standards. What’s worse is that, with the backing of other fan favorites, these attacks could have been avoided or, at the very least, the damage minimized. Where, indeed, was Bryan to save RVD from his extended beating at the hands of Orton and Alberto Del Rio? Where were The Usos? Where were these men, earlier in the evening, when CM Punk was double-teamed by Ryback and Curtis Axel? For that matter, why hasn’t Punk stood up for his old friend (and sometimes rival) Bryan? If anyone knows what Bryan is going through right now, it is Punk – who faced the very same forms of harassment from Triple-H a mere two years ago. <br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">To be clear, there is no way that a band of good guys can come to the rescue of every co-worker who is attacked on an episode of <i>Raw</i> or <i>Smackdown</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">. The risks are too high, and the frequency of these events is too great. Still, as the years pass, there seems to be less and less WWE locker room camaraderie, with a greater focus on the individual. That’s fine, for most purposes. Problems begin to arise when an authority figure like Triple-H rules with an iron fist, and there is little to no locker room unity to be found. This allows the Ortons, Shields, and Wyatts of the world to keep doing what they’re doing, while others languish as perpetual underachievers. There is a pretty clear solution to the problem, but will the fan favorites truly come together … or will they continue to suffer individually?<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Kevin McElvaney</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">PWI Contributing Writer</span></span><br /><br /><!--EndFragment--> Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-22122848394193527462013-08-16T08:46:00.001-04:002013-08-16T14:06:27.286-04:00No Big Deal? Young's "Coming Out" Certainly Is!<span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">I spent the afternoon of May 10, 1987, with some colored markers and a white bed sheet sprawled across my parents’ living room floor.&nbsp;That night, I would attend my very first live wrestling event, a WWF house show at the Nassau Coliseum headlined by Randy “Macho Man” Savage taking on Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat inside a steel cage. But one of the wrestlers I looked forward most to seeing in person was “Adorable” Adrian Adonis.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gq_o5ny8n4/Ug5pzK62mtI/AAAAAAAAAR4/BZSCUmTyxZE/s1600/YoungNBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gq_o5ny8n4/Ug5pzK62mtI/AAAAAAAAAR4/BZSCUmTyxZE/s320/YoungNBC.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">It wasn’t because I was a fan of “The Adorable One.” On the contrary, like most young WWF fans at the time, I despised Adonis—one of WWE’s top heels. So deep was my hatred for Adonis that I took marker to linen and drew an unflattering caricature of him accompanied with some taunting text. Unfortunately, Adonis no-showed the event, and I had ruined a perfectly good bed sheet for nothing.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Some 26 years later, I don’t recall exactly what insults I had written on that sheet, but I can safely assume what they were about. You see, about a year earlier Adonis—once a motorcycle jacket-wearing tough guy—bleached his hair, began wearing makeup, and put bows in his hair.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">In case Adonis’ transformation was a little too subtle for some fans, he clarified matters while appearing as a guest on the WWF's campy 1980’s talk show, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><i>Tuesday Night Titans</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">. With WWF owner Vince McMahon sitting behind the host’s desks, Adonis stood up from a couch and proclaimed, “Yes, I’m gay.” A chorus of boos from the “audience”—comprised of WWF plants—followed.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">In the subsequent months, Adonis did everything to get cheap heat out of his new character. He wrestled in a dress, which Hulk Hogan once pulled off to reveal a padded bra. He planted kisses on a life-sized cardboard cut out of Paul Orndorf. He hosted an interview segment named, “The Flower Shop.”</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">It was hardly new territory, as the effeminate heel character had long been a staple of wrestling, dating back to television pioneer Gorgeous George. And it always played out the same way: The flamboyant bad guy would prance around the ring. Fans would chant insults at him that I couldn’t print here. And the disgusted, macho good guy would teach him a lesson.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">It was a proven formula, and it worked on me all those years ago. To a nine-year-old me, Adrian Adonis was evil because he was gay, and I wanted nothing more than to see someone beat him up.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">It’s with that backdrop that the news of Darren Young coming out takes special significance. It’s about more than being the first openly gay, active WWE wrestler. It’s about most people being okay with it.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">As has been the case in all professional sports and fields of entertainment, there have undoubtedly been gay WWE performers over the years. A few are common knowledge among longtime wrestling fans, and many more have kept their lifestyles a closely guarded secret.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">But what we’ve never seen in wrestling is the issue—or non-issue—of homosexuality handled with dignity, until now.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">“I’m a WWE Superstar and, to be honest with you, I’ll tell you right now, I’m gay. And I’m happy, very happy,” Young matter-of-factly told a TMZ reporter. “To be honest, I don’t think it matters.”</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">Young’s right. It doesn’t matter. And, that’s why it does.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">Although some people may dismiss Young’s announcement as a “non-story,” the truth is it is a big deal—not because he’s a gay pro wrestler, but because, ostensibly, he has been his whole career and it’s never been an issue. Judging from John Cena’s reaction in a separate TMZ interview, Young’s homosexuality was well known in WWE. And, yet, there’s been no evidence that it’s factored into the career of the "Prime Time Player," whose &nbsp;Twitter profile boasts that his “life revolves around three things—money, women, and wrestling.”</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">So far everyone in WWE has handled Young’s announcement with class. Some may question why WWE felt the need to issue a statement all on the issue, but the fact is it was likely bombarded with questions from the media on the issue. The statement read &nbsp;that WWE “is proud of Darren Young for being open about his sexuality.” Cena, Triple-H, and Stephanie McMahon all offered words of support and encouragement as well.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">A cynical person may question the motivations of Young—a lower-card performer now getting more positive mainstream publicity than he could have ever hoped for. And you may even wonder why a TMZ reporter would be interviewing Young, who is hardly a mainstream celebrity, at all—much less on the peculiar topic of gays in wrestling. Did I mention SummerSlam, one of WWE’s biggest shows of the year, is this Sunday?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">To be sure, there’s a bit of hypocrisy surrounding Young’s coming out—some of which I’m guilty of committing with this blog. After all, if it’s not a big deal, then why am I bothering to write this? Why has it, in just a few hours, become one of the biggest mainstream news stories coming out of WWE in years?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">The answer is simple: because Darren Young is a public figure. And that’s where some real good can come out of this—just as it does every time any celebrity makes the courageous decision to go public about something that is intrinsically private, and, really, nobody’s business. It’s because if a pro wrestler, watched on TV by millions of fans each week, says he’s happy being gay, it makes it that much easier for some anxious high school student to do the same.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">Young appears ready to embrace that opportunity.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">“I’m hoping to be able to make a difference,” said Young, who is scheduled to take part in an anti-bullying event held by WWE in Los Angeles this weekend. “It’s very important to me that people understand that someone’s sexual preference shouldn’t really matter. It should be about the person.”</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">That’s a far cry from the constant jokes made by WWE commentators in the 1980s and 1990s whenever the subject of Pat Patterson or Terry Garvin came up. It’s worlds removed from the over-the-top antics that TNA scripted for Orlando Jordan after he acknowledged being bisexual. Even the late Chris Kanyon couldn’t come out near the end of his career without deliberately creating confusion over whether it was part of the show.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">And it’s certainly a long way from “Adorable” Adrian Adonis.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">Al Castle</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">PWI Senior Writer</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Photo: Darren Young interviewed by Matt Lauer on <i>Today</i> &nbsp;(Peter Kramer/NBC)</span></span><br /><br /><!--EndFragment--> Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-38461015567102283022013-08-05T15:26:00.004-04:002013-08-05T15:27:41.031-04:00Our Fearless "500" Forecasts Revealed!<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">As we say in the journalism business, the 2013 "<i>PWI</i> 500" has officially been put to bed. And although the issue won’t be available in digital format until August 22 and then hit the newsstands on September 17, we do have a&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">"<i>PWI</i>&nbsp;500"</span><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">&nbsp;top 10 list for you to peruse. In fact, we have several.<br /><br />You see, after putting together last year’s&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">"<a href="http://www.zinio.com/www/browse/issue.jsp?skuId=416233810&amp;bd=1&amp;pss=1&amp;WT.mc_id=ACQ_COM_BUY_USA_082312_ProWrestlingIllustratedNov-12&amp;_requestid=43883"><i>PWI</i>&nbsp;500</a>"</span><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">&nbsp;(the digital edition &nbsp;is still available for purchase) the <i>PWI</i> staff embarked on a fun project: predicting the 2013&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">"<i>PWI</i>&nbsp;500's "</span><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">&nbsp;top 10 a year in advance.<br /><br />In doing so, we did our best to forecast who would rise to—or remain at—the top of sport over the following 12 months. The results are interesting, and for some of us, a little embarrassing.<br /><br />While doing our best to avoid spoilers for the actual top 10 list, it’s clear that some of us were way off, while others showed better-than-average soothsaying abilities.<br /><br />--Even a year ago, most of the <i>PWI</i> staff predicted John Cena and CM Punk would continue to reign atop the wrestling world. Half the team picked Cena to three-peat as the number-one ranked wrestler. Two other votes came in for CM Punk to top the list. Proving why he is our fearless leader, Stu Saks went out on a limb and predicted then-TNA World champion Austin Aries would achieve the top ranking.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">--There were a few other wrestlers we expected to have a better year than they did. Again, while trying to avoid any major spoilers, I think it’s safe to say Bobby Roode, James Storm, Randy Orton, and Michael Elgin—who all made it onto more than one of our lists—didn’t live up to our expectations. A couple of us even picked The Miz to make it to the Top 10. Yes, really.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">--In the “We didn’t see that coming” category, none of us picked Bully Ray, who ranked number 30 last year, to have a lengthy reign as TNA World champion. <br /><br />--Even though he was still a mid-card act losing most of his matches, four of us picked Dolph Ziggler to break into the top 10 in this year’s list. We won’t give away whether he did or did not, but we certainly were right in predicting big things for the “Showoff” in 2013.<br /><br />Here’s the full set of Top 10 predictions, all written on July 24-25, 2012. Let us know how you think we did in the comments section:<br /><br />Stu Saks, Publisher<br />1. Austin Aries <br />2. CM Punk <br />3. John Cena <br />4. Sheamus <br />5. Davey Richards <br />6. Randy Orton <br />7. Hiroshi Tanahashi <br />8. Bobby Roode <br />9. Daniel Bryan <br />10. Alberto Del Rio<br /><br />Dan Murphy, Senior Writer<br />1. John Cena<br />2. Randy Orton<br />3. Sheamus<br />4. Hiroshi Tanahashi<br />5. Dolph Ziggler<br />6. Alberto Del Rio<br />7. CM Punk<br />8. Bobby Roode<br />9. The Miz<br />10. Michael Elgin<br /><br />Al Castle, Senior Writer<br />1. CM Punk <br />2. John Cena <br />3. James Storm <br />4. Dolph Ziggler <br />5. Randy Orton <br />6. Hiroshi Tanahashi <br />7. Daniel Bryan <br />8. Austin Aries <br />9. Bobby Roode <br />10. Michael Elgin<br /><br />Kevin McElvaney, Contributing Writer<br />1. CM Punk<br />2. Dolph Ziggler<br />3. Austin Aries<br />4. Kevin Steen<br />5. John Cena<br />6. Daniel Bryan<br />7. James Storm<br />8. Hiroshi Tanahashi<br />9. Sheamus<br />10. The Miz<br /><br /><br />Mike Bessler, Contributing Writer<br />1. John Cena<br />2. Austin Aries<br />3. CM Punk<br />4. Daniel Bryan<br />5. Bobby Roode<br />6. Sheamus<br />7. Hiroshi Tanahashi<br />8. Alberto Del Rio<br />9. James Storm<br />10. Kevin Steen<br /><br />Brady Hicks, Contributing Writer<br />1. John Cena <br />2. CM Punk <br />3. Austin Aries <br />4. Dolph Ziggler <br />5. Bobby Roode <br />6. Hiroshi Tanahashi <br />7. Daniel Bryan <br />8. Sheamus <br />9. Eddie Edwards <br />10. Randy Orton<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><!--EndFragment--> Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-15209649278971848192013-06-04T16:48:00.001-04:002013-06-04T16:48:10.452-04:00It's About Time For Daniel Bryan<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">If you were paying attention to Jerry Lawler’s commentary Monday night, during Daniel Bryan’s match against Ryback, you might have heard a fleeting comment about whales sometimes winding up on beaches. Lawler quickly added, “size doesn’t matter.” He was referring, of course, to Daniel Bryan’s success in what once was a veritable land of giants.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">When Bryan first debuted on WWE TV, he was belittled by some (namely, Michael Cole) as an Internet darling who didn’t deserve a national spotlight. Sure, he had been astonishing indy wrestling fans with his technical skill for over a decade, but he was deemed too vanilla, too puny for prime time television. He was a vegan who didn't own a TV, fans were constantly reminded.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Of course, Daniel Bryan far exceeded Cole’s initial expectations. He not only found success in the ring – while still putting on exciting, technical matches – he displayed a keen sense of humor and made connections with fans of all stripes. Whether they were chanting “Yes! Yes! Yes!” or “No! No! No!,” everyone was making noise for the former “darling” of the indy circuit. Bryan even won the World heavyweight championship in late-2011, defending it successfully until WrestleMania 28. He had arrived.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">More recently, of course, Bryan has kept himself busy as a tag competitor. He and Kane’s run with the tag team title reestablished the division as a focal point of weekly <i>Raw</i> broadcasts. Live crowds began to rally increasingly behind Bryan, ostensibly turning him into a fan favorite. Slowly, Bryan has begun to appreciate the adulation, and his in-ring performances have continued to improve. It’s arguable that, even if he’s not yet the star of <i>Raw</i>, his segments steal the show on a weekly basis.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Consider the last few weeks a turning point for Bryan. When the public demands something, especially in the wrestling world, its demands must eventually be met. When Bryan singlehandedly dominated The Shield on a recent edition of <i>Smackdown</i>, it was the roar of the crowd that enabled him to do so, in more ways than one. And don’t think that folks backstage didn’t notice the way fans reacted when Bryan put Ryback in the “No Lock” on <i>Raw</i>. Ryback was so desperate, after that, he opted to get himself intentionally disqualified, rather than risk the pain of yet another submission hold. Keep in mind, the man who couldn’t beat Daniel Bryan is the current number-one contender to John Cena’s WWE title.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">It’s only a matter of time, really. Bryan’s last run as World champion made him recognizable to a worldwide audience. He’s only gotten better since then, taking down giants and gaining ground with every week that passes. If he really wants to prove himself, as he alluded to on <i>Raw</i>, then there’s only one thing left to do…and it has nothing to do with the tag division. John Cena? Ryback? Watch out. Daniel Bryan is coming. <br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Kevin McElvaney<br />Contributing Writer / @OfficialPWI Contributor&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span> <!--EndFragment--> Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-82400111605717430642013-04-25T16:58:00.000-04:002013-04-25T16:58:15.931-04:00Are You Listening, WWE?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">Earlier today WWE announced that WrestleMania 29 was the highest-grossing event in the company’s history. And while WWE executives and stoc holders may be thrilled with the record-breaking revenue WrestleMania brought in, it is of little comfort to the scores of fans who were left underwhelmed by the event.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Yes, I am quite late in weighing in on the April 7 event, which I attended in person. And maybe that’s a good thing. Perspectives always benefit from the passage of time, and while I thoroughly enjoyed the show, I now understand why many fans did not.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">My first reaction when I read the litany of negative reviews was, “What were they expecting?” WrestleMania 29 went almost exactly as I thought it would: John Cena beat the Rock. The Undertaker’s streak remained intact. And, all-in-all, the night’s matches went about as I figured they would.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">But maybe that’s just it. The problem isn’t that WWE gave fans what they expected; it’s that what fans expected and what they wanted were two different things.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">As vehemently opposed as I am to the Vince Russo booking philosophy of unpredictability for unpredictability’s sake, WWE also can’t stubbornly tell the stories it wants to tell—as logical as they may be—if the fans simply don’t want to hear them.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">I’ve often made the argument that, just like in all storytelling, the predictable outcome is often the right one. Good conquers evil, the guy gets the girl, and they all live happily ever after. And while that argument remains sound, there’s one thing I didn’t consider: It’s not enough to simply tell a story logically. Fans have to be interested in that story to begin with. And that’s where WWE has a big problem.&nbsp;Never was that more apparent than the night after WrestleMania, when 16,000 fans inside the IZOD Center absolutely refused to go along with the storylines that WWE was offering. They cheered passionately when Ziggler, a rulebreaker, dishonorably captured the World championship. They sang along with the theme music for Fandango, another bad guy. And they heckled supposed fan favorites Randy Orton and Sheamus throughout their match.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">And then, of course, there’s WWE's biggest conundrum of all: the fact that its number-one hero, John Cena, gets the loudest boos every night.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Clearly, there’s an unrest among many WWE fans that has grown too big to simply ignore. This isn’t to say that WWE should acquiesce to short-sighted and unrealistic fantasy bookers whose ideal WrestleMania would have included Ziggler cashing in, Punk ending the Streak, and Cena turning heel. <br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">But it is to say that WWE should do a better job of listening to its fans. I think most of those fans aren’t asking for a complete overhaul of WWE, but rather just a sincere effort to mix things up a bit.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">In truth, WWE is doing a much better job at keeping its product fresh than it was just a few years ago, when Cena faced Randy Orton in nearly every WWE pay-per-view main event. Relatively new acts like The Shield and Ryback have been featured prominently, and there has been a steady stream of talent debuting on the major brands.<br />But WWE shouldn’t rest on its laurels, and shouldn’t dismiss the sentiments of its fans when they’re not going along with the storylines.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Al Castle</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">PWI Senior Editor</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /> <!--EndFragment--> Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-34129664762334766372013-04-02T16:47:00.002-04:002013-04-03T16:28:59.637-04:00WrestleMania 29: PWI Staff Picks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>974</o:Words> <o:Characters>5553</o:Characters> <o:Company>Kappa Publishing</o:Company> <o:Lines>46</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>11</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>6819</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal">Some questions surrounding this Sunday’s WrestleMania are tough to answer. How will WWE keep its wrestlers warm in 40-degree temperatures? What color shirt will John Cena unveil? How long will it take The Undertaker to beat CM Punk?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Still, our staff members believe they have the answers to who will come out victorious in the show’s matches. Here are there picks:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Wade Barrett vs. The Miz for the Intercontinental championship</b></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stu Saks: The Miz<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dan Murphy: The Miz<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Harry Burkett: Wade Barrett<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Al Castle: The Miz<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dave Lenker: Wade Barrett<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Louie Dee: Wade Barrett<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Kevin McElvaney: Wade Barrett<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Mike Bessler: The Miz<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />Commentary: Our staff is evenly split on who will come away with the Intercontinental title at WrestleMania. On one hand, the “Barrett Barrage” has shown no signs of slowing down. On the other, WWE seems insistent on having The Miz win over fans. Kicking off the biggest show of the year with a title victory would be an important step in that direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Brodus Clay, Tensai, Cameron, &amp; Naomi vs. Rhodes Scholars (Cody Rhodes &amp; Damien Sandow) &amp; the Bella Twins in a mixed eight-person tag match</b></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stu Saks: Team Brodus<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dan Murphy: Team Brodus<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Harry Burkett: Team Brodus<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Al Castle: Team Brodus<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dave Lenker: Team Brodus<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Louie Dee: Team Brodus<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Kevin McElvaney: Rhodes, Sandow, &amp; Bellas<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Mike Bessler: Team Brodus<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />Commentary: The <i>PWI</i></span><span style="font-family: Times;"> team is solidly behind “Tons Of Funk” to get the duke in what will likely be more of a feel-good dance party than an actual wrestling match. Whatever the case, let’s hope Brodus leaves his Momma dance troop at home this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Chris Jericho vs. Fandango<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stu Saks: Chris Jericho<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dan Murphy: Fandango<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Harry Burkett: Chris Jericho<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Al Castle: Chris Jericho<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dave Lenker: Fandango<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Louie Dee: Fandango<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Kevin McElvaney: Chris Jericho<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Mike Bessler: Chris Jericho<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />Commentary: With his ridiculous new character, it’s hard to take Fandango seriously. And so we are not. As logical as it would seem for WWE to give a newcomer an important win in his first match, we’re not sold on the former Johnny Curtis having what it takes to beat a world-class wrestler like Jericho on such a big stage. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Daniel Bryan &amp; Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler &amp; Big E. Langston for the tag team championship<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stu Saks: Bryan &amp; Kane<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dan Murphy: Ziggler &amp; Langston<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Harry Burkett: Bryan &amp; Kane<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Al Castle: Ziggler &amp; Langston<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dave Lenker: Ziggler &amp; Langston<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Louie Dee: Ziggler &amp; Langston<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Kevin McElvaney: Bryan &amp; Kane<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Mike Bessler: Bryan &amp; Kane<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />Commentary: It’s only appropriate that half our staff would answer the question of whether Team Hell No will retain the tag championship with an emphatic “Yes!” while the other half would reply with a firm “No!” Even if Ziggler comes up short in this title match, he may just leave MetLife Stadium with another championship, courtesy of that dusty briefcase he’s been lugging around since July.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Mark Henry vs. Ryback<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stu Saks: Ryback<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dan Murphy: Ryback<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Harry Burkett: Ryback<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Al Castle: Ryback<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dave Lenker: Mark Henry<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Louie Dee: Ryback<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Kevin McElvaney: Mark Henry<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Mike Bessler: Mark Henry<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />Commentary: Most of our staff is convinced that the “Big Hungry” will scarf down his biggest meal to date at WrestleMania in the form of the 400-pound Henry. But a few are counting on the “World’s Strongest Man” dealing Ryback a rare singles defeat in one of his biggest matches to date. Don’t look for this one to be particularly pretty, but you can’t count on some amazing feats of strength.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>The Shield vs. Randy Orton, Sheamus, &amp; Big Show<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stu Saks: The Shield<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dan Murphy: Orton, Sheamus, &amp; Show<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Harry Burkett: The Shield<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Al Castle: The Shield<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dave Lenker: Orton, Sheamus, &amp; Show<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Louie Dee: The Shield<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Kevin McElvaney: The Shield<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Mike Bessler: Orton, Sheamus, &amp; Show<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />Commentary: WWE’s rogue law enforcers will continue their reign of terror, according to most of the <i>PWI </i></span><span style="font-family: Times;">staff. Orton, Sheamus, and The Big Show may represent The Shield’s biggest challenge to date, but they can’t seem to get on the same page. It will take a truly unified front to bring down The Shield.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger for the World championship<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stu Saks: Alberto Del Rio<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dan Murphy: Jack Swagger<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Harry Burkett: Jack Swagger<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Al Castle: Jack Swagger<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dave Lenker: Alberto Del Rio<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Louie Dee: Alberto Del Rio<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Kevin McElvaney: Alberto Del Rio<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Mike Bessler: Alberto Del Rio<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />Commentary: WWE seems high on Del Rio’s potential as a superhero for its Hispanic audience, and getting the win here over the vile Swagger and his hate-spewing manager, Zeb Colter, may be key in that effort. We’re counting on A-D-R to pick up the W-I-N, but aren’t completely ruling out the possibility of Swagger winning his second World title.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>Triple-H vs. Brock Lesnar in a no-holds-barred match with Triple-H’s career on the line<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stu Saks: Brock Lesnar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dan Murphy: Triple-H<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Harry Burkett: Brock Lesnar<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Al Castle: Brock Lesnar<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dave Lenker: Brock Lesnar<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Louie Dee: Triple-H<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Kevin McElvaney: Triple-H<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Mike Bessler: Triple-H<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />Commentary: Once again, we’re evenly split on the outcome of this high-stakes showdown. To keep Brock Lesnar’s reputation in tact as wrestling’s most dangerous man, a win here seems almost necessary—especially after having already lost one of his only two matches since returning to WWE a year ago. And, really, given Triple-H’s scarce television appearance, an official retirement is only a formality. That said, with the honor of his best friend Shawn Michaels, his wife Stephanie, his father-in-law Vince McMahon on the line, it’s hard to picture “The Game” losing. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><b>The Undertaker vs. C.M. Punk<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stu Saks: The Undertaker<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dan Murphy: The Undertaker<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Harry Burkett: The Undertaker<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Al Castle: The Undertaker<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dave Lenker: The Undertaker<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Louie Dee: The Undertaker<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Kevin McElvaney: The Undertaker<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Mike Bessler: The Undertaker<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />Commentary: None of us are buying that wrestling’s most revered winning streak will come to an end at the hands of CM Punk. But while the outcome may be a given, we’re still excited about what will likely be match of the night, and maybe, match of the year. And when 21-0 flashes on the Tron, we’re confident that, from somewhere, Paul Bearer will be watching with pride.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The Rock vs. John Cena for the WWE championship<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Stu Saks: John Cena<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dan Murphy: John Cena<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Harry Burkett: John Cena<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Al Castle: John Cena<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Dave Lenker: The Rock<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Louie Dee: John Cena<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Kevin McElvaney: John Cena<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;">Mike Bessler: John Cena<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><br />Commentary: All signs are pointing to John Cena getting redemption, and the WWE heavyweight title, on Sunday night. Although the sequel may lack some of the intrigue of the original, the sport’s most prestigious championship is sure to up the stakes exponentially. A thrilling bout is almost guaranteed. The bigger question may be: When do we get the rubber match?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><!--EndFragment-->Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-83568514454741586112013-03-19T15:06:00.003-04:002013-03-19T15:07:18.566-04:00It's Now Or Never For "The Show-Off"<span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Dolph Ziggler has, for some time now, been on the cusp of becoming a true main-eventer. The Money in the Bank briefcase, ever in his grasp, has served as a visual reminder to fans that Ziggler is “almost there.” At any moment, in fact, Dolph could opt to take his guaranteed World title shot and, in all likelihood, he would become champion. With the exception of a fluke loss by John Cena last year, everyone who has cashed in a MITB briefcase has struck gold. So, with the odds heavily weighted in Ziggler’s favor, what’s he waiting for?</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">It’s possible that, if he sits idle too much longer, Dolph may regret biding his time. Sure, Edge went almost nine months before cashing in the first-ever Money in the Bank briefcase, and it worked out splendidly for him. Edge, however, remained dominant while holding on to his contract, finally striking only when he was most ready to be a credible champion. This has, arguably, not been the case with Dolph. When Ziggler captured the MITB briefcase last July, he seemed poised to become the hottest commodity in WWE. In recent months, he’s underachieved, to say the least. We’re not suggesting that Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston aren’t great athletes, but a near-main-eventer like Dolph should be steamrolling over that kind of competition. Instead, his infrequent wins have come only through the assistance of Big E Langston and AJ Lee.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">Say Dolph cashes in successfully at WrestleMania, capturing the World title from the winner of the Alberto Del Rio/Jack Swagger match. Will he be ready to rebuff attempts by Del Rio or Swagger to reclaim the strap? Assuming he makes it past those men, he’ll find the entire Smackdown roster standing in line. Randy Orton, Sheamus, Big Show, and other heavy hitters will all be gunning for the target around Ziggler’s waist. Given the way Dolph has been performing lately, we’re not convinced he'll be up to the task.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">According to established Money in the Bank rules, any man who holds the briefcase has a full calendar year to cash in his championship opportunity. Dolph may not seem ready for the demands of a World title reign just yet, but, if he continues to wait, things might only be that much harder. Without a legitimate need to prove himself, Ziggler has faltered. As he spends more time putzing around the middle of the card, the “Show-Off” continues to become less effective at actually winning matches. <br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Maybe the pressure put upon main-event performers is exactly what Ziggler needs to flourish. After all, he has been labeled an underachiever in the past. In fact, it was his drive to succeed, to silence his critics, that propelled him to where he was last summer. It’s a gamble, of course, but abruptly taking the next step may be the only way for Ziggler to get back on his game.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">So Dolph, if you’re reading this, you might want to consider cashing in that briefcase now. The longer you wait, the more difficult this is going to be. <br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Then again, maybe that’s exactly what the “Show-Off” wants …<br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Kevin McElvaney<br />PWI Contributing Writer<br />@OfficialPWI Contributor</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br /></span></span><br /><!--EndFragment--> Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-91348861281340315872013-03-14T09:14:00.002-04:002013-03-14T09:14:36.105-04:00A Serious WWE Blunder <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>1005</o:Words> <o:Characters>5731</o:Characters> <o:Company>Kappa Publishing</o:Company> <o:Lines>47</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>11</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>7038</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The opinions expressed in this blog post are not necessarily shared by the staff of Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Not by a long shot.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In fact, I’ve been hard pressed to find many wrestling fans who believe, as I do, that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AJgxbQx0No">this Youtube video</a> posted by WWE a couple of weeks ago was downright disgraceful.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In case you haven’t seen the video, which was the talk of the Internet wrestling community for a few days, it begins with Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter spewing the same anti-immigrant rhetoric as they have on television for weeks. That’s not the problem.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">My beef comes with the drastic turn the promo takes around the 1:40 mark. The cameras pull back to reveal a production set and a green screen background. Colter and Swagger come out of character, even introducing themselves by their real names. They explain how wrestling promos work, and that they are simply entertainers playing roles. Colter goes as far as to say that in real-life he is friends with Jose Rodriguez, the performer portraying his mortal enemy, Alberto Del Rio. Way to sell a WrestleMania World title match.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This was all done as a retort to criticisms made by conservative political commentator Glenn Beck, who had dismissed the Swagger/Colter storyline as having been devised by “stupid wrestling people.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The video mobilized fans to the defense of WWE. Throughout social media, even the most jaded of fans proclaimed that they were never prouder to be part of the WWE Universe and praised Swagger, Colter, and the entire promotion for “telling it like it is.”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">But amid all their appreciation for the message behind the groundbreaking video, fans failed to see the considerable damage it did to the entire pro wrestling industry. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Like few other things in the sport’s history, the Swagger/Colter video shattered the illusion necessary for fans to fully enjoy pro wrestling, and it did so in a particularly flippant and reckless manner.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To a lot of wrestling fans, mine may come off like an outdated philosophy, especially in an era when just about every fan older than four (and even many younger) can separate reality from sports entertainment. But my gripe isn’t with the fact that WWE came out and said it’s all a show. It’s how they said it.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Imagine that you’re engrossed in a particularly suspenseful episode of <i>Law &amp; Order SVU</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Detective Benson kicks down a door, opens fire, and shoots a perp to death. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then you hear, “Cut!”<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Benson looks at the camera, introduces herself as actress Mariska Hargitay, and goes on to lash out at a particular television critic who panned her show. When she’s done, the director audibly calls out, “Action!” and the scene continues.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That would be pretty absurd, wouldn’t it? Well, it’s no different than what WWE pulled with its video, complete with Colter and Swagger resuming their wrestling promo after they finished delivering their message to Beck.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To be sure, a lot has changed since the days when “Dr. D” David Shultz was ordered to assault <i>20/20</i><span style="font-style: normal;">reporter John Stossel for even suggesting that wrestling was fake. But if the Colter/Swagger Youtube video showed anything, it’s that the collective wrestling universe has moved too far in the other direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Back then, protecting “kayfabe” was about pulling the wool over the fans eyes. But over the years, wrestling has evolved to the point that the wrestlers, promoters, and fans are all in on it together. To some extent, giving fans a peak behind the curtain is a good thing, as it shows that promoters and wrestlers respect fans enough to know that they don’t need to believe what they’re watching is “real” in order to enjoy it. The open nature of modern pro wrestling has also allowed wrestlers, promoters, and journalists to share—in the right context—compelling stories about what happens away from the ring without fear of reprisal.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But none of that is to say that wrestlers or promoters—especially WWE—should so flippantly tear down the fourth fall that’s necessary for pro wrestling to be successful. If you’ve followed this business for any length of time, you’ve heard about the importance of “suspending disbelief” in enjoying wrestling. Sadly, I think too many fans, wrestlers, and promoters don’t understand what that actually means.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps no institution values the importance of kayfabe more than <i>Pro Wrestling Illustrated</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. We realize that for fans to fully enjoying the escapist entertainment that is pro wrestling, they need to lose themselves in its characters and storylines. That might seem obvious to some, but promoters have chipped away so much at that principle over the years that they don’t even realize when they’re breaking that rule. Ironically, much of the damage has been done by promoters intent on presenting wrestling as more “real” and “not insulting the intelligence” of fans. That kind of thing often leads to the bane of my existence as a wrestling fan: the “worked shoot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And really, at its core, that’s what the Colter/Swagger video was—a manufactured promotional tactic aimed at inciting emotion in fans by making them think they were watching something that wasn’t part of the show. The true nature of the video as nothing more than a publicity stunt was exposed when WWE sent TV cameras to Beck’s studio to confront him, and then put out a press release accusing him of “hiding” from WWE. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m all for WWE defending its fans, of which I count myself as one, from the ignorant remarks of critics who don’t understand the appeal of pro wrestling. There were several different ways for WWE to make the same point. Vince McMahon or some other WWE executive could have recorded a video message responding to Beck. I would have even accepted, somewhat begrudgingly, if the video began with Colter and Swagger out of character delivering the message to Beck. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But there’s an obvious, better option: Having Colter and Swagger respond to Beck in character. Alas, WWE apparently realized that, pulled down the original video, and replaced it with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfHJjS_o0Co">this one</a>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And then there’s what I’d say is the best option of all: Ignoring Beck all together. Another often-misused wrestling term is “mark.” WWE tried to prove to us that Beck was a mark for thinking WWE and its fans were comprised of “stupid wrestling people,” but ended up going out of their way to respond to a throw-away remark, and in doing so just left Beck with a worse impression of the wrestling business than he already had.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Fans who enjoyed the “shoot” promo by Colter and Swagger may have seen it as a proclamation of the fact that they’re not marks. But, along the way, they were roped into the most transparent attempt to exploit fans’ loyalty this side of the “Stand Up For WWE” political campaign.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In its truest sense, a mark is a sucker; one too gullible to realize he’s been had. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ll leave it at that.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Al Castle<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">PWI Senior Writer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><!--EndFragment-->Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141947592909920937.post-41212067629358694992013-03-13T10:37:00.002-04:002013-03-13T21:53:17.058-04:00¿Quien Es “El Generico”?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;">When word got out that perennial indy favorite, El Generico, had signed with WWE, the news was met with a mixture of reactions and questions. Generico’s Twitter account was flooded with congratulations, well wishes, and more than a few wistful “goodbyes.” Indy wrestling fans were largely happy for the man who’d entertained crowds across the globe for the better part of a decade. They were also full of queries about his transition to WWE. Would Generico still wear his trademark mask? Would he retain his name? Would he be transformed into an entirely different character?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY'; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Fans had apparently gotten their answer last month, when El Generico made an appearance, mask and all, for NXT. This made sense, some fans mused, because Generico’s tongue-in-cheek persona had played a huge role in making him such a sensation on the independent circuit. Why mess with a good thing? Last week, many of these same fans were shocked when it was reported that the man they’d known as El Generico made another appearance for NXT – this time sans mask, wrestling under his real name, Rami Sebei.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;">Sebei’s sudden changes made some fans uneasy, but there’s hardly any reason for concern. While he made a name for himself under the “Generico” persona, it was Sebei’s technical skill and in-ring presence that really made him click with fans. Indy devotees everywhere will eagerly tell you about their favorite El Generico matches, every bit as quickly as they’ll talk about his charisma and famous ring entrance.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times CY;"><span style="font-size: 14.0px;"><br />Yes, Rami Sebei is currently competing for NXT without his trademark mask. With or without it, though, he’ll find his niche. Sebei’s natural talents and ability to connect with fans will ensure he finds a way to be successful within the realm of WWE. Previous name aside, there is nothing “generic” about this man whatsoever.</span></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">Kevin McElvaney</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times CY';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;">PWI Contributing Writer</span></span><br /><br /><!--EndFragment--> Pro Wrestling Illustratedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671462186348661499noreply@blogger.com0